Long-term evaluations of urban green infrastructure are scarce. This study provides one of the most comprehensive assessments to date anywhere in the world of how large-scale environmental change can influence health over time in a real-world setting.
The findings were launched by Queen’s University Belfast researchers at an event on 12 May 2026.
Funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership and the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division, Public Health Agency, the research is part of work by the GroundsWell Consortium, providing novel long-term evidence on the public health impacts of large-scale urban green and blue infrastructure.
Professor Ruth Hunter, Lead Researcher on the project and Professor of Public Health and Planetary Health from the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast explains: “This study shows that transforming urban environments combined with long-term investment, can have real, measurable benefits for health and wellbeing of a wide range of people over the long term.”
To read more on the study please visit: New 15-year study shows urban greenway delivers major gains in health, wellbeing, and safety | News | Queen's University Belfast