A new study from the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit has found that inequalities in green space use were sustained, and possibly exacerbated, during movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Photo of back view of young person walking a white dog

Almost two thirds of people, 63%, reported a decrease in time spent visiting green spaces in the original lockdown period, which began on 23 March 2020.

Those from a more socially disadvantaged background were a third less likely to visit green spaces before, and more than two thirds less likely to visit them after restrictions were enforced.

Adults over 65 years-old also reported visiting green spaces less often after restrictions were in place than their middle aged counterparts.

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First published: 14 March 2018