Forum Topic

Green Space and Health

In the current issue of the Lancet (issue 9650 Nov 8) Drs Robert Mitchell and Frank Popham show that people living near greenery (trees, grass, water) have a better health experience - less deaths - than those without greenery nearby.  And this effect applies to the poor as well as to the rich.  They make the point green space provision is the most effective way of reducing the health gap between rich and poor.  In green areas the top income group had 43% better mortality outcome than the most deprived group while in non-green areas this top income group had 93% better outcome.The study covered 366,000 mortality records between 2001 and 2005 classified by exposure to green space.  Deaths from all causes, circulatory, lung diseases and self-harm were examined.In 2005 I emphasised the importance of green space for Brentford’s health experience to Hounslow PCT Scrutiny Panel on Brentford Health Impact Assessment at Brentford and at Brentford Community Council’s presentation.  That investigation was concerned with health inequalities through income deprivation.What progress have we made in providing green space to Brentford?  Well looking at the Brentford Area Action Plan and other reports on the regeneration of Brentford – None.  From todays Brentford Chronicle  we’re going to be saddled with the South of Brentford High Street eyesore for the next  N years.  Doesn’t a simple way of improving our communities health matter?

Michael Fletcher ● 6409d1 Comments

So how about registering an interest an applying for a grant?"The Mayor's Street Tree ProgrammeTrees and woodlands are good for Londoners, good for visitors to London, and good for business in London. The Mayor of London is committed to funding new street trees as part of his goal to make London a greener city. To achieve this he is funding an expansion of the Forestry Commission's London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme that will run for four years. The aim is to plant 250 trees on average in the 40 areas that would most benefit from the social, economic and environmental improvements that new street trees provide.A panel, chaired by the charity Trees for Cities, has identified the first 20 areas in 15 boroughs for the first grant round this year, and will choose the final 20 in 2009. All 40 areas will have new street trees planted by the end of the four-year Mayoral term. To view the maps showing the first 20 areas, please see the information under the area headings below. The Forestry Commission can provide grants for other streets, open spaces, schools and woodland through the London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme's Community Grant.Residents' groups, community organisations, charities and boroughs can apply for the new grants. Useful advice for individuals on how to assess the suitability of your street for tree planting and what to do next is in Trees for Cities' Best Practice - Street Trees guide. You can find the contact details of your borough tree officer on the London Tree Officers Association website.  If you are interested but unsure how to proceed with a project or application, or do not live in the 20 priority areas, please contact Groundwork London who can advise and register your interest.The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday 17 November. For further information, contact: LTWGS Programmes OfficerGroundwork London8-21 Morley StreetLondon, SE1 7QZT: 020 7922 1230E: londonprogrammes@groundwork.org.uk To find out more about this scheme or to apply, download the information below. Application form [Word : 529KB]  Guidance notes [PDF : 94KB] Appendix 1 : List of 20 eligible areas [PDF : 35KB]"From www.groundwork-london.org.uk  viawww.london.gov.uk

Philippa Bond ● 6409d