(2021 – 2026)

The GroundsWell project explores inequalities in how people access and use natural spaces in urban areas.

There is clear evidence showing that access and proximity to urban greenspaces and urban bluespaces (such as parks, gardens, woodlands, canals, riverbanks and coastal settings) has health benefits, in particular for non-communicable diseases, including mental health conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

However, people’s ability to access and use urban greenspaces and urban bluespaces is unequal, leading to increased health and social inequalities. Decision-making processes around creating and maintaining such spaces can be one sided, leading to spaces which do not suit the wants and needs of communities.

This research is focussing on policy and practice from the national to the local scale. Working closely with key stakeholders – including community members and people working at a national, regional and local level within relevant decision-making organisations – the research will include mapping out the policy landscape and interviewing people involved in decision-making processes. The aim is to identify what works, for whom, under what circumstances, and why, to enable communities to play an active, informed and meaningful role in decision-making.

Visit the project website for further details.

The GroundsWell project is an interdisciplinary consortium led by Queen’s University Belfast, University of Edinburgh and University of Liverpool and as well as the University of Exeter, also includes the universities of Glasgow, Cranfield, Liverpool John Moore’s University, and Lancaster.

The project is funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership (UKPRP).