9/9/09: Scientist - 'Disappearing urban gardens could be costing lives'

Dr Ross Cameron a lecturer at the University of Reading UK, and an expert in amenity horticulture, has told the British Science Festival that green urban spaces and gardens play an important role in keeping us sane and fit. They are also useful in cooling inner city temperatures – a problem that will increase with global warming – and also cooling tempers. Studies, he said, had shown that greenery and gardens could reduce crime levels by up to a third, particularly domestic violence levels.

“Creating a concrete jungle does cost lives. It costs lives in terms of depression and encouraging unhealthy lifestyles.”

Full article at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6156068/Garden-grabbing-could-cost-lives.html