Increasing the provision of high-quality green-blue spaces in our towns and cities and providing opportunities for communities to access and connect with nature can provide not only environmental benefits but also positive outcomes for health and wellbeing. This webinar brought together those researching the contribution of the natural environment to health and wellbeing; those delivering social prescribing; and the catchment partnerships, to explore the opportunities and challenges in ensuring that the health and wellbeing benefits of integrated water management are maximised.
Agenda
Introduction – Peter Bide – Chair of the CaBA Urban Water Group
Session 1: The science and current action
– A systematic evidence map investigating the health, wellbeing and cultural benefits of inland blue space. – Dr Alex Collins, Imperial College
– Water Works – The Social Impacts of Blue Space Interactions – Dr Catherine Kelly , University of Brighton
– Human health and blue space – a clinician’s perspective – Dr James Szymankiewicz, Combe Coastal Practice
– WWT’s work on blue infrastructure and well-being – Dr Jonathan Reeves, Principal Research Officer (Health & Wellbeing), Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
– Q&A
Session 2: How can we deliver health and wellbeing outcomes as part of IWM projects?
– What data is available? Dr Lucy Butler, GIS Manager at The Rivers Trust, and Ellie Brown, Strategic Evidence and GIS Manager, Ribble Rivers Trust
– Introduction by Andy Graham – Senior Project Manager (Community Wetlands), WWT
Open discussion
Summary – Peter Bide