New Research into the use of the natural environment by communities living around Heathrow airport before and during lockdown
The restrictions of movement and loss of access to many leisure facilities during the global pandemic have brought a focus to the importance of local green spaces. The HCEB and the Colne Valley Regional Park (CVRP) wanted to understand how local people have used the natural environment around them before and during the Covid-19 lockdown and in September commissioned research to look at this issue. In particular, we were keen to understand how people have used green areas and what their experiences have been. Where communities have not used the natural environment, we wanted to understand the reasons for this and how this could be encouraged, given the widespread evidence that spending time in nature is beneficial to physical and mental health.
Over the autumn, we worked with 'YouGov' who conducted an online survey of over 500 local residents and two 90 minute online focus groups.
The research has found that:
Lockdown has highlighted the importance of green areas to many. Two-thirds (67%) say they appreciate local green areas more as a result of the lockdown and 57% say they will use them more in the future than they were previously. Residents mention being aware of the importance of getting a change of scene or going out for some ‘fresh air’ and many have found new areas during lockdown that they wish to keep exploring.
Green areas have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local residents: 77% report a positive impact on their physical health and 76% a positive impact on their mental health. Some refer to it as an ‘escape’ – a place for taking time out to recover and recharge. This was particularly pertinent during the Coronavirus lockdown; green areas were a refuge for many from the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic.
Visits to green areas became more common during the Coronavirus lockdown, with half (49%) visiting more while a quarter (24%) visited around the same amount. Residents report engaging in outdoor activities such as exercise, getting fresh air and meditation more during lockdown, suggesting that green areas have additional value for them when they are otherwise confined to their homes.
Three-fifths (61%) say they enjoyed using green areas more during lockdown than they had done previously. Respondents noted reductions in air and noise pollutions that made green areas more pleasant and tranquil locations to be; however, others felt that they saw more anti-social behaviour and litter in parks.
Accessing green areas is a key barrier to using them. Many reported that well-maintained paths and cycleways, as well as cheaper car parking, would encourage them to use green areas more.
Around two-fifths (38%) have visited a green area within the Colne Valley Regional Park previously and the park is highly valued by those use it: the majority (74%) consider it a unique resource for the local area.
Over three-quarters (77%) would miss their local green areas if they were built upon
Ankerwycke and Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve are commonly visited areas for their natural beauty, while the facilities at Lammas Park are frequently used by families.
Many residents in the South CVRP mention how much they appreciate having nature on their doorstep and the positive impact it has on their mental and physical health. This was particularly important during the lockdown, where residents noticed an increase in wildlife in the South CVRP and reduced noise and air pollution in the area.
Issues in the South CVRP raised by residents include litter in Langley Park, a lack of parking at Harmondsworth Moor and Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve and unsafe walking and cycle routes.
This research presents a compelling message and evidence base for investing in and protecting the parks and natural environment around the airport. The experience of lockdown has shown us how vital these are to the health and well-being of communities living around the Heathrow area. We would encourage Heathrow, Local Authorities and Government to plan investment in green spaces going forward so that they can be improved and maintained.
Colne Valley Regional Park said ‘It is really useful to have this evidence of how people have increased their use and appreciation of the Colne Valley Regional Park. This report demonstrates the importance of high quality accessible green space on people's doorsteps and the need for investment to maintain and improve the environment. We also note the comments explaining why some people are not accessing the countryside and can now look at how these barriers might be overcome.’