Gardening is 'good for health and mental wellbeing', expert says

Gardeners are not only more likely to be physically healthy, but they're
also more likely to enjoy better mental health, one expert has
suggested.

Speaking at the British Science Festival, Dr Ross Cameron from the
University of Reading argued that green spaces and gardens play a
crucial role in keeping Britons, and especially those living in urban
areas, both sane and fit.

As such, the ongoing wave of 'garden-grabbing' developments needs to be
stopped, with households instead encouraged to get out into their
gardens to enjoy a range of physical, psychological and
environmental benefits.

"Gardening is a healthy activity that keeps people fit and open spaces
such as parks encourage jogging and other exercise," he told delegates
at the festival.

"Natural spaces are like the fish tank in a dentist waiting room, a
piece of nature that reduces your stress and anxiety."

These comments come soon after the Independent newspaper launched its
Let Children Grow campaign, aimed at encouraging parents to allow their
children to help out in the garden.

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