Promoting wellbeing through environment: the role of urban forestry

Many of us feel intuitively that having access to nature in urban environments is important for our quality of life. The evidence base supporting this claim has grown considerably in recent years, with high profile studies highlighting the links between access to greenspace/having views of nature and health and wellbeing. Physical activity in green environments is increasingly seen as a valuable treatment for mental health problems and a buffer against the development of depression and anxiety disorders. This paper explores the existing research and theory on the value of nature in the built environment for the wellbeing of city-dwellers, focusing on the role of urban forestry. It also raises questions about what we still have to learn about these less tangible benefits of urban trees and woodlands.