Toggle menu

Chapter 9: Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities

Space to live

People's housing environments have affected their ability to shield themselves and others from Covid-19, as within-household transmission has played a serious role in the spread of Covid-19. People's housing situations have also affected their ability to weather the challenges of a prolonged lockdown. People in larger homes have had more space to adapt to working from home (if their jobs permitted it), as well as having greater privacy. When children could not go to school during lockdowns, there were additional demands on space.

Access to outside space was also important. Research, (Hubbard, G., den Daas, C., Johnston, M., Murchie, P., Ward Thompson, C., and Dixon, D. (2021). Are rurality, area deprivation, access to outside space and green space associated with mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic? A cross sectional study from the Covid-19 Health and Adherence Research in Scotland project (CHARIS-E). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8), [3869]), found that people, without patios and gardens, experienced greater mental health challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, than those who have access to their own outdoor space. 

"My daughter isn't at work and is struggling. My grandson can't go to school. We are all stuck under one roof which is tough. Luckily, we have a garden for when it's nice but when it's not we are all losing our minds. We have discovered some wonderful walks and beautiful woodland near our house, walks I never knew were even there. I appreciate nature and fresh air."

Gateshead residents, Tyne & Wear Archives Lockdown Survey 2020, Accession. 5992

Throughout 2020, public demand soared for outdoor recreation. Mental Health Foundation research, (Rowland M, Mental Health Foundation (2020) Blog: Why Nature was the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.), shows that, during the long months of the pandemic, going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies, and 45% of us reported being in green spaces has been vital for our mental health. Research has also highlighted the importance of physical activity and engaging with nature in supporting people to maintain their wellbeing during restrictions and the pandemic. (O'Brien, L and Forster, J. (2020) Engagement with nature before and during the Covid-19 restrictions (opens new window). Quantitative analysis 2020. Forest Research, Farnham) 
Lucy Brenkley, Active Forests Coordinator, Forestry England 

"These walks have greatly improved my life. Before I came to this walking group, I was very isolated due to my medical conditions/ lockdown with Covid. I look forward to Wednesdays, a walk, a chat and a delicious cup of tea and biscuits! The walk provides me with a serving of wellbeing and the world has become a less scary place for me. A little normality in an upside-down world."

Participant, Chopwell Wood Health Walk