Access to gardens and other green spaces may boost individual wellbeing, according to the findings of a new report.
The research was carried out by Dr Mathew White from the University of Exeter Medical School's European Centre for Environment & Human Health, which is based in Truro, Cornwall.
It has been published in the academic journal Psychological Science and it was noted that this is particularly the case for city dwellers – so they may be understandably keen to get to work outdoors with the garden tools.
Data was collected annually from more than 10,000 people between 1991 and 2008.
Lower levels of mental distress and higher life satisfaction were recorded among the participants when they were living in greener areas.
"We've found that living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space can have a significantly positive impact on wellbeing, roughly equal to a third of the impact of being married," explained Dr White.
