Parks in towns, cities and urban areas can help protect residents from high temperatures and pollution, a study has found.
Research from the University of Surrey has shown temperatures in urban parks can consistently stay cooler than in surrounding built up areas.
The study, which involved tests in Guildford’s Stoke Park, also found noise levels decreased by more than five decibels in park areas compared to parts of the town.
Prof Prashant Kumar, founding director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research, said the findings would help policymakers to design “healthier and more climate-resilient towns and cities”.
The research comes as parts of south-east England continue to experience a heatwave and an amber heat warning issued by the Met Office remains in force for Monday and Tuesday.
During the study tests were carried out in Stoke Park and nearby built up areas throughout the day.
Pollution levels during the morning were over 11% lower in park areas, while morning temperatures were also 6.5% lower, researchers said.