A lot of research compares green spaces to urban spaces and the benefits of green over urban are widely recognised. However, might some people be better adapted to urban spaces? Do city lovers need a different nature prescription to nature lovers? These types of questions are explored in a recent research paper published in Landscape and Urban Planning.

Nature lovers thrive in green spaces. They are happier being around trees and birds. Whereas the city lover with lower nature connectedness might not get the same buzz from being in and around nature. Indeed, some might even feel stressed or anxious about spending time outdoors. An individual’s level of nature connectedness plays a role in the benefits gained from being in nature.

So, we can’t assume everyone benefits equally from green spaces. Like all design, when it comes to urban green spaces there’s a need to consider individual preferences and nature connectedness levels.

This new research involved a lab experiment where 68 people watched 10-minute videos of urban space and high or low biodiversity green spaces after completing demanding tasks. Measures of emotional response and eudemonic wellbeing were taken during the study. The findings are interesting, but this is a small single study based on watching short videos.

The study taps into something useful though, suggesting that green spaces act as an important ‘shelter’ for the highly nature connected, a place away from urban demands and helping restore emotional balance, the more biodiversity the better. The urban space had no benefit or made them feel a bit worse.

Whereas the low nature connection people seemed better adapted to the urban environment, which didn’t have a negative impact. They sensed less urgency to escape the urban environment, but they benefit more from the green space.

The more nature connected people were also more sensitive to the level of biodiversity and the difference between natural spaces and urban spaces. This accords with other research that shows that more nature connectedness people tend to look at nature more than artificial environments.

It should also be noted that study confirmed previous findings, generally nature is beneficial for all. Green space being more beneficial to wellbeing through calming emotions, whereas urban space tends to induce a prolonged state of arousal – but these effects vary by level of nature connection.

Gong, C., Yang, R., & Li, S. (2024). The role of urban green space in promoting health and well-being is related to nature connectedness and biodiversity: Evidence from a two-factor mixed-design experiment. Landscape and Urban Planning, 245, 105020.