Environmental analysis highlights value of UK green space

Green spaces across the UK are worth billions to the economy, results from a new environmental analysis have discovered.

The National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) has found that lakes, forests and wildlife are highly valuable, but too many are being exploited.

It suggested that rural land is often under-appreciated and the benefits of having decent water and air quality are underestimated.

The report suggested that having a view over a park or green area is worth £300 per person every year.

Too much emphasis has been placed on developing resources such as timber, crops and fisheries using natural land and this has caused 30 per cent of the UK's ecosystem to fall into decline.

Indeed, co-chair of the NEA Professor Bob Watson said: "There is an urgent need to better manage our ecosystems and the natural resources they provide us with."

A recent survey conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors indicated that planning teams in urban areas should put more focus on introducing green areas in order to boost air quality.

Posted by Lauren Steadman