Realising the wellbeing benefits of urban blue space

Lyddon, Charlotte ORCID: 0000-0003-4254-3049 and Hayes, Joanna ORCID: 0009-0007-6628-1035 (2025) Realising the wellbeing benefits of urban blue space [Poster]

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Description

The term ‘blue space’ is usually used as either a counterpart or adjunct to ‘green space’ and has become commonplace in urban design and public health. Blue space is defined in a recent Environment Agency report as: “Outdoor environments – either natural or manmade – that prominently feature water and are accessible to humans either proximally (being in, on or near water) or distally (being able to see, hear or otherwise sense water).” There is evident overlap between green and blue space in that many spaces contain both, which has resulted in them being blurred in some research and policy. Evidence for the health benefits of blue space is growing and is strongest for benefits to mental health and wellbeing. To explore the potential wellbeing benefits of blue space in Liverpool City Region, a workshop was held with researchers, policy makers, practitioners and organisations from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. This was followed by a survey of 138 visitors to two urban estuarine and coastal blue space locations. The responses were analysed with reference to a conceptual model developed as part of a systematic review by White et al., in which exposure to blue space leads to outcomes of improved human and planetary health and wellbeing by the mechanisms of mitigation, restoration and instoration. The survey identified relevant passive (restoration) mechanisms of rest and relaxation, sensory experience, and sense of identity, and active (instoration) mechanisms of leisure destination, accessible outdoors, and focus for community. These are influenced by modifiers including individual circumstances, place-based inequalities, and the qualities of a specific blue space. Analysis supported greater distinction of blue space and green space in policy, and suggested policy interventions that might act on exposure and modifiers to influence outcomes. Further research is needed into the incentives and barriers for different groups interacting with urban blue space, and the balance of wellbeing benefits and risks, e.g. due to climate change.

Item Type:	Poster
Uncontrolled Keywords:	blue space, blue-grey space, evidence-informed policy, green and blue infrastructure, health inequalities, inclusive urban environments, place-based approaches, social determinants of health, sustainable cities and communities, waterfront regeneration
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2025 10:54
Last Modified:	29 Jun 2026 16:21
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3195257
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