Milton Keynes first in UK for Most Green Spaces

In a new study conducted by outdoor experts The Hunting Terrain, Milton Keynes has been identified as the local authority with the most green space in the UK.

The study assesses public green space accessibility across 40 major local authorities, considering population density, green space provision per capita- to identify the most and least accommodating areas.

The provision allocation per person is determined by access to public parks, and areas of public land with green space for people to visit for recreation purposes.

Having sufficient access to public green spaces is important, particularly for residents of larger cities, as being among nature is key for mental well-being.

Milton Keynes leads the nation in public green space access, boasting an impressive provision of 59.7 sqm per-person among its population of 285,032.

Speaking on the findings, outdoor expert, Ethan King from The Hunting Terrain said: “These findings show that it is possible for larger cities to provide public green spaces for their residents, and it’s clear that it should be a priority for city planning officials is to come up with some more efficient ways to include natural spaces for residents to enjoy – especially in the areas where provisions are poor.

“Having adequate access to green areas is crucial for a person’s well-being, as being close to nature can have significant beneficial effects on stress levels. This is particularly important for residents of larger cities, since a large proportion of the population are likely working in busy and stressful jobs each day. Residents could greatly benefit from increased access to public green space as it will allow them to relieve stress after a long day of work.”