A recent survey involving 2,000 adults has revealed that a whopping 60% of Brits reckon their local area is sorely lacking in green spaces.
The eye-opening poll also found 69% of people believe that shared green spots can be the antidote to societal woes and spark a wave of optimism for what’s ahead by boosting mental health (59%), knocking down social isolation (51%), and improving air quality (43%).
Indeed, a hefty 80% of those surveyed argue that getting to green spaces should be considered an essential right for all.
With the cost-of-living crisis biting hard, 40% of the people quizzed feel community gardens could offer a solution, as 61% would rather dig up their own veggies than rely on food banks.
Sophia Parker, chief of emerging futures at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which champions ‘Seeds of Hope’, a project boosting the significance of communal growing and bonding with nature, has shared the importance of community spirit: “In these challenging times, marginalised communities have shown remarkable resilience.”
(Image: Pinpep)
Her words underscore the country’s spirits amid the present-day turmoil: “[With] widespread feelings of anxiety about the future and concern about the rise of far-right populism, celebrations of amazing people and communities, growing hope and building belief in better futures are exactly what we need right now.”
A staggering 70% of Brits have never got their hands dirty in a local gardening project, with lack of time (43%), know-how (18%), and confidence (16%) being the top reasons for not joining in on the green-fingered fun.
Yet, a OnePoll study has unearthed that a third of the population would be keen to get involved if they could grow their own grub. Plus, 26% fancy gardening for their mental wellbeing, while 25% reckon it could trim down their living expenses.
Change-making green thumb Tayshan Hayden-Smith is throwing his weight behind ‘Seeds of Hope‘, spearheading a series of community events sprouting up across the UK.
He’s come out saying: “Community is at the crux of any flourishing society and ecosystem. Understanding one another should be seen as an opportunity for creativity, kindness and connection”.
“Whether that’s on mental health, climate action or food security – community cultivates collective change for the betterment of both people and planet.”