Environment

Walking and the environment are linked in three key ways:

• More people walking rather than driving can reduce carbon emissions
• Being active (walking) in a natural, green environment brings additional health benefits
• More people out and about walking leads to safer communities.

Studies have shown that the quality of the environment in which we live can impact on our physical and our mental health. After taking into account all the other variables, people living close to natural green space have been shown to live longer and enjoy better quality of life.

Green space helps reduce stress and provides opportunities for being physically active.  Encouraging individuals to choose to walk for short distances instead of driving can have a significant impact on climate change.