Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
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to sustainable development in urban areas (Relf and Lohr, 2003; Brethour<br />
et al, 2007).<br />
In addition to contributing to biological diversity and providing habitats<br />
for various plants, animals and insects, the ecological services and<br />
environmental benefits provided by urban and rural greenspaces include<br />
effects on microclimate, pollution and water dynamics and provide<br />
attractive views (Relf and Lohr, 2003; Brethour et al, 2007). Trees in<br />
cities can moderate the ‘heat island’ effect and can help to reduce climate<br />
extremes. <strong>Green</strong> infrastructure can provide shelter against wind and noise,<br />
and can reduce glare and reflection from buildings. Plants act as a sink for<br />
carbon and produce oxygen. Air quality improvements can occur from the<br />
removal of pollutants (both gaseous and particular contaminants) by urban<br />
trees. Plants have also been used to remove contaminants from soil. <strong>Green</strong>,<br />
natural areas reduce surface water run-off in built up areas, improving flood<br />
control and enabling the recharge of groundwater stocks.<br />
As previously highlighted in this report, nature and plants can provide<br />
stress reduction, decrease discomfort, introduce calming effects, increase<br />
positive emotions, reduce aggression, improve concentration, and<br />
encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Rural areas and urban greenspaces<br />
can provide areas in which city dwellers can relax and unwind and<br />
the health benefits associated with urban greening can range from the<br />
individual to the community and population level.<br />
Urban greening also provides economic benefits in terms of reduced<br />
heating and cooling costs for buildings, improved property values,<br />
enhanced beauty and improved privacy and security of buildings and<br />
communities (Relf and Lohr 2003; Brethour et al, 2007).<br />
Urban greening can bring about social benefits by raising the quality of<br />
neighbourhoods which in turn fosters civil behaviour and responsibilities.<br />
Increased social benefits are gained when citizens are actively involved<br />
in urban ‘community’ greening. Urban community greening refers “to<br />
the leadership and active participation of city residents who take it upon<br />
themselves to build healthier sustainable communities through planning<br />
and caring for “socio-ecological spaces” and the associated flora, fauna,<br />
and structures” (Tidball and Krasny, 2006). Communities have used urban<br />
greening projects successfully to combat against neighbourhood crime and<br />
other social problems. Urban community greening can therefore be a tool<br />
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