Exposure to open green space and nature is often attributed to an increased feeling of mental and physical well-being. As reported by the Land Trust, 9 out of 10 people feel that green spaces play a positive part in their happiness, with 90% of people feeling green spaces help encourage them or others to keep fit and healthy.
In the busy and fast-moving pace of modern life, making time to enjoy the green and natural environment is often a luxury for many urban dwellers.
However, new developments offering access to Country Parks, such as at Canford Park, can make immersing oneself in nature as easy as taking a short stroll.
The benefits of green space do not just stop at mental and physical benefits. A study by the Forestry Commission showed that the presence of a well-managed greenspace nearby could result in an average property premium of 2.6% to 11.3%. The same study showed that just a single percentage point increase in green space in the local census ward could increase property prices by 1%.
The Lands Trust has also looked at specific case studies, such as the Port Sunlight River Park on the Wirral. The study showed that houses within a 500m radius of the park increased in value by an average of £8,674 per property, representing a total cumulative property price increase of £7.8 million. The study also showed that small independent businesses utilising the park, such as dog walkers and ice cream vendors, generated in the region of £48,000 annual revenue and an additional £38,000 a year additional revenue for other local businesses, where people spent money locally while visiting the park.
A Mersey Forest study also estimated every £1 invested into a green space development could yield £2.30 back in revenue from tourism, resident health improvements and other sources.
Canford Park will enable the delivery of a stunning area of open green space with access to the River Stour, all easily accessible through walking or cycling. As well as providing the clear benefits in terms of wellbeing, there is also a host of potential economic benefits as well as enabling the protection of the important Dorset Heathlands.