Nature, Health and Well-being

Nature, Health and Well-being HCC Corporate Biodiversity Group Aug 08 1 Nature, Health and Well-being Evidence to Hampshire County Council’s Commission of Inquiry on Personalisation Prepared by David Pape and Jacklyn Johnston on behalf of Hampshire County... More

Nature, Health and Well-being HCC Corporate Biodiversity Group Aug 08 1 Nature, Health and Well-being Evidence to Hampshire County Council’s Commission of Inquiry on Personalisation Prepared by David Pape and Jacklyn Johnston on behalf of Hampshire County Council’s Corporate Biodiversity Group* 1 INTRODUCTION There is substantial and growing evidence that nature can make a major contribution to improving health and well-being. Nature is an untapped resource that could significantly contribute to health and in turn provide considerable financial savings to the economy. There is compelling evidence that contact with nature can: • maintain good health • help recovery from illness • alleviate stress and mental health problems • improve physical health • improve quality of life for older people • enhance social interaction and improve community cohesion • reduce aggression, violence and crime • improve children’s well-being into adulthood. Evidence supporting these facts has been brought Less