Dossier
Natural surroundings and health
Natural surroundings can benefit human health in many ways. Wageningen University & Research studies issues concerning the optimal design and management of natural surroundings, the impact of landscape and urban design on social safety and possibilities for using the existing natural surroundings to influence human behaviour.
Examples of how natural surroundings can contribute to human health
- Recovery from stress
- Promotion of social contact
- Ensuring optimal childhood development
- Stimulation of personal development and providing a sense of purpose
- As an impetus for exercise, reducing obesity
News about natural surroundings and health
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WHO stresses the importance of green spaces for mental health
- Green spaces are important to our mental health. With urbanisation on the rise, people living in cities have less access to green areas. At the same... -
How nature boosts the health of city residents
- Trees lining a street may encourage people to take a longer stroll or choose to bike to work. New research shows how access to natural areas in cities... -
Increased pollen in the air related to increase in coronavirus infections
- Global research has revealed that increased pollen in the air is associated with an increase in coronavirus infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus may...
Projects about natural surroudings and health
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A digital inspiration map for greening neighbourhoods of Amsterdam
This study shows how participatory GIS can aid in decision making around urban greening. In Amsterdam, this helped promoting a dialogue between... -
PARTIGAN: Participatory Greening of Arnhem and Nijmegen
Empirical evidence is mounting that having nature nearby and contact with nature positively affect health and well-being. People living in a green... -
Healing Gardens
We are testing to what extent gardening can help (former) cancer patients meeting the norms of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake, and... -
Green entrepreneurial reintegration practices for residents with mental health problems (COMPLETED)
Since 2015, municipalities are responsible for the reintegration of people with mental health problems. A large part of this group of people doesn't... -
Green initiatives in cities for elderly with dementia and their caretakers
The aim of this research is to explore opportunities and constraints of urban green care facilities such as parks, gardens and farms.
Publications
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The spatial distribution of microplastics in topsoils of an urban environment - Coimbra city case-study
Environmental Research 218 (2023). - ISSN 0013-9351 -
GIANT LEAPS towards healthy and sustainable future diets by filling knowledge gaps on alternative proteins
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Green Salutogenic Environments
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Seaweed processing for feed
Wageningen : Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (Report / Wageningen Food & Biobased Research 2374) - p. -
Transformative or piecemeal? Changes in green space planning and governance in eleven European cities
European Planning Studies (2022). - ISSN 0965-4313 - p. 1 - 24. -
An explorative study with convenience vegetables in urban Nigeria—The Veg-on-Wheels intervention
PLoS ONE 17 (2022)9. - ISSN 1932-6203 -
The role of natural science collections in the biomonitoring of environmental contaminants in apex predators in support of the EU’s zero pollution ambition
Environmental Sciences Europe 34 (2022)1. - ISSN 2190-4707 -
Residential green space associated with the use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication among Dutch children
Frontiers in Psychology 13 (2022). - ISSN 1664-1078 - p. 1 - 10. -
Well-Being in the Time of Corona: Associations of Nearby Greenery with Mental Well-Being during COVID-19 in The Netherlands
Sustainability 14 (2022)16. - ISSN 2071-1050 -
Beleidsdenken over stedelijk groen en gezondheid : en de mate waarin dit zich laat onderbouwen vanuit het onderzoek
Wageningen : Wettelijke Onderzoekstaken Natuur & Milieu (WOt-rapport 141) - p.
Related dossiers
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Greenery in the city
A green environment has many advantages. It has a positive effect on people's health and contributes to the quality of life in a neighbourhood.... -
Urban climate
A green environment is essential for a resilient climate and a sustainable environment in the city. It reduces air pollution, provides water storage,... -
Urban agriculture
Urban agriculture can contribute to urban needs by connecting local food and energy production to community goals, like care for the urban...