Researchers launch public survey to investigate the use of parks under lockdown
A team of researchers from UWE Bristol are conducting a survey to investigate how social distancing measures have changed the way that residents are using green spaces and connecting with nature in the West of England.
Working in collaboration with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), the researchers hope to learn more about the public’s changing habits and relationships with the region’s parks and green spaces in the wake of social distancing measures introduced by the UK government in March to protect the public from the spread of Covid-19.
Dr Danielle Sinnett, Associate Professor in Green Infrastructure who is leading the project with Dr Issy Bray, said: ‘‘Lockdown and social distancing measures have changed the way that we use our local green spaces, including how much time we spend there, the purpose of our visits and the value we place on them. For many people, they are important in providing a place to exercise during lockdown especially as gyms, leisure clubs and swimming pools remain closed.
‘‘For decades, green spaces have been seen as a luxury in town and city planning with many existing parks lacking maintenance – perhaps that needs to change. By carrying out this survey, we can begin to understand the value and contribution that green spaces make to public health and wellbeing and use that information to inform future planning.’’
The results of the survey will be shared with policy makers, local authorities, planners and property developers to enable them to make informed decisions on how green spaces should be provided, promoted and managed, and how their use and importance changes during pandemics.
West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “Now more than ever we can recognise the benefits of having parks and recreational spaces to enjoy and exercise in. This survey will help create the evidence we need to understand how social distancing measures may have changed the way we are using these spaces and how we value them.”
With the results of the survey, researchers hope to be able to answer four key questions:
- How do green spaces in the West of England impact on the health and wellbeing of the local population during lockdown?
- What is the impact of green spaces on health inequalities in the West of England during lockdown?
- How does the access, type and design of green spaces influence these impacts on health and well-being?
- How has people’s use and perception of their homes changed during lockdown?
Related news
22 November 2024
UWE Bristol professor unveils blue plaque honouring Bristol’s Cary Grant
Dr Charlotte Crofts joined Historic England to unveil a blue plaque celebrating the Hollywood star.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
15 November 2024
Global body confidence education project supported by UWE Bristol reaches 20 year milestone
A global initiative supported by UWE Bristol to build body confidence and self-esteem for the next generation of young people has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
05 November 2024
Researchers are turning soil sounds into songs
When David Attenborough said saving the planet is now a communications challenge, he probably wasn’t thinking about the possibility of DJs doing soil sets.
22 October 2024
‘Life changing’ prosthetic leg developed at UWE Bristol to be trialled at global competition
Researchers from UWE Bristol are preparing to showcase an advanced bio-inspired prosthetic leg they have developed to improve the quality of life for people with above-knee amputations.
17 October 2024
Immersive Arts opens applications with grants up to £50,000 available
Immersive Arts, a UK programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has opened applications for its first round of funding.
15 October 2024
Researchers create 3D printed food for people with swallowing difficulties
Researchers have developed meals suitable for people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) using 3D printing technology.
07 October 2024
Opinion: why UWE Bristol is championing immersive arts as a 21st Century artform
A new £3.6m programme will engage artists across the UK to help understand the role that technology can play in driving forward immersive arts.
01 October 2024
Research study aims to improve dementia assessments for diverse communities in Bristol
UWE Bristol is launching a research project aimed at transforming the assessment and diagnosis of dementia for people from three minority ethnic communities in Bristol.
01 October 2024
New guidance launched to help local authorities promote health through Local Plans
New practical guidance to help local authorities in England create places that promote health has been co-authored by a UWE Bristol academic.
03 September 2024
World-first rubies grown in situ from waste materials
A UWE Bristol researcher looks set to transform the jewellery industry after successfully growing the world’s first ruby in situ, in a platinum ring.
02 September 2024
Reintroduction of beavers to wetlands having positive impact on bats, research suggests
The reintroduction of beavers to wetlands in England and Wales is leading to an increase in bat activity, a new study suggests.