UK's parks, lakes, forests and wildlife are worth billions

Increasing value of the UK's ecosystems.

"The natural world is vital to our existence, providing us with essentials such as food, water and clean air - but also cultural and health benefits not always fully appreciated because we get them for free," said Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.


The UK's parks, lakes, forests and wildlife are worth billions of pounds to the economy, says a major report, with the health benefits of just living close to a green space being worth up to £300 per person per annum! The National Ecosystem Assessment is expected to re-shape planning policy throughout the UK and highlights how current ways of working have harmed other parts of nature that are worth a lot to the economy.
 
If you want to know more about this story then recommend the following sites:
 
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/uknea/ (has a good video at the end!)
 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/02/uk-green-spaces-value?intcmp=122

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13616543