Formed from the intersection between the broad research area of Health and Wellbeing, and its academic locus within the University of Lancashire’s Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit, the objectives underlying this programme of research activities are firstly to understand how aspects of places and environments affect health and wellbeing; secondly to understand how health and wellbeing can be improved by focusing on those aspects; and thirdly how to translate this understanding into recommendations and guidelines for practice.

Currently, the research is focusing on harnessing the health and wellbeing benefits of green and blue space, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, where there may be the potential for increased engagement with local green and blue space to reduce inequalities in health. The relationship between green and blue spaces and health has been the subject of increasing research interest in recent years, with a substantial body of evidence showing that contact with nature is associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Local natural spaces are important for public health and can contribute to the wellbeing of both individuals and communites, promoting health equity. Green and blue spaces aid in reducing health inequalities and have been linked with numerous health benefits including reduced stress, enhanced cognitive function, and improved emotional well-being. They act as cost-effective solutions to enable healthier lives, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems.