Whitten, Meredith; (2025) Invisible and overlooked: young people’s perceptions of managing green spaces for mental wellbeing. Cities & Health pp. 1-16. 10.1080/23748834.2025.2458394. (In press).

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Abstract

Spending time in green space is associated with improved health and wellbeing for urban residents. The relationship between urban green space and mental wellbeing is increasingly studied, with access to nature supporting improvement in general wellbeing and a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression. This has prompted policymakers, planners, parks practitioners and health professionals to position green spaces as health infrastructure. However, 16-25-year-olds are spending less time in green space, limiting opportunities to realise wellbeing benefits. At the same time, young people are experiencing a mental health crisis and 75% of mental disorders first appear before the age of 25. Despite this, young people are overlooked in research examining the green space-wellbeing link. Using semi-structured interviews with 16-25-year-old Londoners, this research explores how perceptions of parks management affect young people’s use of green spaces for mental wellbeing. Findings reveal that management practices contribute to feelings of exclusion and detachment, with perceptions that parks are prioritised for children. Concerns about maintenance and safety add to feelings of disconnection, contributing to decreasing time 16-25-year-olds spend in green space at a pivotal stage in their development. As such, this research provides insight for those involved in managing green spaces as health infrastructure for young people.

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