{"id":870439,"date":"2026-08-25T03:28:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T03:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/870439\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T03:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T03:28:17","slug":"edinburgh-study-finds-woodland-improvements-reduce-antidepressant-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/870439\/","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh study finds woodland improvements reduce antidepressant use"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new University of Edinburgh study has suggested that improving local woodlands in deprived urban areas could lead to a reduction in the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication.<\/p>\n

Researchers analysed data from over 129,000 individuals across five years to track the mental health<\/a> impact of accessible, well-maintained greenspaces.<\/p>\n

The study revealed that people living within a 10-minute walk of an upgraded woodland<\/a> were 10% less likely to be prescribed antidepressants.<\/p>\n

They were also 6% less likely to need anti-anxiety medication compared to those living further away.<\/p>\n

\"AnThe study revealed that people living within a 10-minute walk of an upgraded woodland were 10% less likely to be prescribed antidepressants.<\/p>\n

The research, led by the University of Edinburgh<\/a> in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, assessed the impact of Scottish Forestry\u2019s Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative.<\/p>\n

The initiative provided funding for new footpaths, better signage, and community events in socially and financially disadvantaged areas.<\/p>\n

Using NHS prescription records and census data, the researchers found the mental health benefits remained consistent even when individuals moved closer to an improved woodland.<\/p>\n

Professor Catharine Ward Thompson, who led the study at the University of Edinburgh\u2019s College of Art<\/a>, said: \u201cThe research provides stronger evidence on the mental health benefits of woodland improvements for local communities than was possible in earlier studies. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt also shows that these benefits may contribute to reducing inequalities in health across the population.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr Scott Ogletree, who undertook the analysis, said: \u201cFor the first time, we have an opportunity to link data on mental health services with a long-term national urban forestry intervention programme to offer the kind of evidence required to inform future forestry policy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur results tell us that relatively modest investments in local greenspaces can make a real difference to people\u2019s mental health. Nature focused initiatives like WIAT can be a valuable tool to complement ongoing efforts to improve wellbeing and mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n

The study, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, has been published in The Lancet Planetary Health.<\/p>\n

This article or a part of it is provided by the news agency Deadline News Limited and published here with permission.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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