Report measures blue spaces as major public health assets in Scotland
Scotland's rivers, lochs and coastlines deliver health benefits worth up to £123m a year in the Forth region alone, according to new research from the University of Aberdeen that puts a monetary value on the impact of blue spaces.
A new study from the University of Aberdeen and Public Health Scotland highlights the significant public health benefits of Scotland's rivers, lochs, and coastlines. In the Forth region alone, around 1.1 million adults—83.7% of the adult population—visited blue spaces in the past year, spending an estimated 105 million hours. Health benefits were estimated at £105.2m for nature exposure, £123.3m for physical activity and £39.6m for aquatic activities.
The findings reveal that mental well-being was the most commonly reported benefit, with 93% of visitors experiencing an improved mood and 89.7% reporting a reduction in stress. Water itself was a primary motivator for 46.6% of visits. However, access to these blue spaces is unequal, with low-income households, disabled adults, and those in poorer health less likely to visit.
Improving facilities, transportation links, and accessibility could help address these disparities and further enhance the health benefits of Scotland's blue spaces.
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