Natural environments are important components of ‘healthy places’ and can promote and sustain health and also aid recovery following ill-health. There is evidence that exposure to green environments improves mental health, reduces mortality and is associated with lower levels of obesity and improved maternal and child health outcomes (DEFRA, 2018)

Engaging with and protecting natural environments through both active and passive recreation can also improve social equity and cohesion of people and communities, increase people’s appreciation of and care for the environment and increase the economic benefits of recreation. When green and blue spaces are fully integrated with the built environment this can help reduce the impacts of climate change, flooding and air pollution (Natural Resources Wales, 2021).