The Forestry Commission has published new guidance to outline the "positive role" of well-designed green spaces and parklands in the recovery of patients from illness and injury.

Greenspace Design for Health and Wellbeing provides advice on how the design of green spaces around hospitals and other wellness facilities can help supplement clinical care.

It is expected that the new Practice Guide will be of interest to health practitioners, planners and policy makers within the NHS and others sectors that are involved in patient care.

Forestry Commission chair Pam Warhurst said: "We've all long known that we feel better after spending time outdoors and in green spaces such as parks and woodland.

"Now a raft of research findings in recent years have confirmed that this experience is not just a vague impression, it represents a range of very real mental and physical health benefits."

Details: www.forestry.gov.uk

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