Gardening is good for you
Gardening makes you feel better according to a new survey by the National Trust.
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The poll of around 1,000 people found 70 per cent of the population think that spending time in gardens is important for their quality of life. Given the choice, many would rather spend time in their gardens than in front of the television or shopping. Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh welcomed the result of proof that gardening is good for physical and psychological health; "I am delighted that the National Trust has produced this report to highlight how gardens and gardening can benefit everyone in society, regardless of age, background or circumstance," he said. "The message is clear, if you want to feel better get out into a garden. Never has access to a garden been more important for our spiritual and physical wellbeing than it is in today's rapidly changing landscape." However, after previous studies showed that people living in flats have little access to gardens, the National Trust called for more green space to be made available through allotments on public land, around offices and through reclaiming derelict land. |
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The Trust estimates that there is 600 acres of space available on window boxes alone. In a new report Space to Grow: Why People Need Gardens, the Trust argues that gardens are crucial for food security, wildlife and even tackling climate change. People on the margins of society such as deprived children, the mentally ill and refugees can especially benefit through gardening projects. There also needs to be more opportunity for children to learn how to garden after the survey showed 80 per cent of people believe that children should learn about gardening and growing at school. The National Trust is providing allotments on its own land and Fiona Reynolds, Director General, called on more public bodies to follow suite. "In today's fast-paced world, finding space and time to unwind and relax is becoming ever more crucial. "Nowhere does this better than the quiet corner of a garden or park that gives us the chance to breathe in our natural surroundings and refresh our weary spirit. I am passionate about the idea that everyone should have access to a garden or green space that they feel entitled to enjoy and use. Yet there is still a lack of awareness of the vast opportunities gardens can offer society which is why we've published this report today to highlight just how important they are." Article from The Daily Telegraph |