It is common knowledge that walking is good for human physical and mental health, but what has been neglected for the majority of the 20th Century is that facilitating walking by building walking friendly places is also great for the health of our cities and communities. Environmental benefits There are a huge amount of localised environmental benefits for designing cities …
There is a now a large body of evidence that shows walking is one of the most accessible and impactful forms of exercise that humans can undertake to maintain a healthy body and mind. Walking for our body Walking is increasingly now being seen as one of the best ways for people to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. For instance, …
The more time we spend in nature and the deeper our connection with trees, plants and wildlife the greater the benefits that it can bring to individuals and communities. One simple way that we you can increase the quality of your interaction and connection with nature is by knowing more about the trees and plant life that you see around …
A great technique that can improve the mental wellbeing and physical health of urban populations when spending time in natural environments is Forest Bathing ‘Shinrin Yoku’. Introduction to SHINRIN YOKU Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) was first developed in Japan after the Second World War in a response to the rapid mass urbanisation in the 1940 – 50s to rebuild the …
Scientific studies have well documented the benefits that access to nature and wildlife in urban settings can bring to cities. In addition to these vast environmental and sustainability benefits that urban greenery brings to cities, urban greenery also provides huge services that impacts positively on the health, wellbeing and sustainability of its communities. Greenery in cities improves people’s wellbeing Access …
There is now a large amount of evidence that trees and natural landscapes play vital roles in improving and maintaining a sustainable living environment in cities and urban areas for all their inhabitants; and can create a more sustainable city and living environment for all. This article outlines the main benefits that nature in cities bring to the urban environment …
The mass of tightly knitted, narrow and mostly car free streets that make up the heart of Marrakesh’s Medina are great as a tourist for spending hours walking around, soaking up the lively Morocco culture and architecture; and whilst struggling not to get lost. The Medina, like many others across the country (Fez having the largest car free zone and …
Marrakesh might not be thought of by most people as a green city, however it is literally an oasis in a very arid part of the world. With ancient irrigation systems bringing water down from the Atlas mountains to the city, gardens and street trees have historically been aplenty across Marrakesh. Green Streets and Riads The streets of Marrakesh are full of …
There are a number of fundamental characteristics that make a city walking friendly, that encourages people to walk and that can be adapted to any city and urban area around the world. However, as each city has its own culture, climate and built and social environment it is essential that the local context and priorities are also integrated; so the …
Start / Finish: St Pauls Cathedral Time Required: 1 hour Distance: Highlights: the oldest tree in the City, beautiful city churchyard gardens, Whilst working at Trees for Cities I developed the following Trees in the City walking route for the City of London Festival.
