🌿 Green Space Equity
Why It Matters for Health and Justice.
When we talk about health equity, the focus is usually on access to healthcare, education, or nutrition. But the environments we live in — especially our access to green spaces — are just as important.
As I discussed in my article for the Centre for Sustainable Care X NHS Forest, unequal access to green space is a powerful indicator of broader health and social inequalities.
Whether it’s a local park, community garden, or walking trail, green space plays a vital role in supporting wellbeing — and everyone should have access to it.
Why Green Space Isn’t Just “Nice to Have”
We know that green spaces can:
Encourage physical activity, reducing the risk of chronic illness
Support mental health by lowering stress and anxiety
Create opportunities for community connection and social wellbeing
They’re not just good for individuals — they’re good for public health. But not everyone gets equal access.
The Green Inequality Problem
In the UK, access to green space is far from fair.
The most affluent areas tend to have far more green space than the most deprived communities — often up to five times as much. And this disparity disproportionately affects ethnic minority groups and low-income families.
This is not just a planning issue. It reflects deep-rooted social and environmental injustices that impact who gets to live a healthy life — and who doesn’t.
A Health Equity Perspective
From my experience as a clinician, I have seen how environmental access can shape people’s ability to stay well — especially those living with long-term conditions or caring for others.
If we’re serious about prevention and long-term health, we can’t ignore the spaces people live in. Health starts well before someone steps into a clinic.
What Needs to Happen Next
If we want healthier, more equitable cities and communities, we need to:
Prioritise inclusive urban design that guarantees access to green space
Invest in community-led solutions that reflect local needs and voices
Treat access to nature as a basic right, not a bonus
This isn’t about beautifying cities — it’s about creating fairer, healthier futures.
Final Thoughts
Green space is part of the infrastructure of a healthy society.
It supports physical and mental health, brings people together, and helps build resilience in our communities.
Everyone deserves the chance to benefit from it — regardless of income, background, or postcode.