Exploring relationships between GBGI exposure and satisfaction and quality of life in Bristol

West, Harry; Bray, Issy; Sinnett, Danielle

Abstract

Mental health, particularly for urban populations, is a growing public health concern. Understanding how people relate to and feel a sense of belonging in the urban environment is therefore an important research agenda. There is growing evidence about the importance of green (e.g. parks, trees), blue (e.g lakes) and grey (e.g. travel routes) infrastructure for the health and wellbeing of urban residents.
This paper reports on the results of a RECLAIM Network Plus project exploring the relationships between Green-Blue-Grey Infrastructure (GBGI) and a range of health and social outcomes in neighbourhoods across Bristol (United Kingdom). Using GIS and statistical analysis (logistic regression) we explore relationships between GBGI features and self-reported health, wellbeing and neighbourhood satisfaction from the Bristol Quality of Life Survey between 2011-2022. Multiple GBGI factors such as tree density, distance to quality green and blue spaces, and the presence of historic buildings and transport infrastructure are considered, as well as more subjective measures including satisfaction with GBGI and frequency of use.
By exploring relationships between different GBGI and self-reported quality of life we aim to be able to better understand the importance of these features for improving people’s lives and reducing inequalities within neighbourhoods and across the city. The evidence we produce we hope will further our understanding of how citizens relate to their urban environment and will help more inclusive decisions to made by local councils about investment to ensure that all residents, wherever they live, benefit from GBGI which enhance quality of life for urban communities.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: European Urban Research Association Conference
• Start Date: Jun 11, 2025
• End Date: Jun 13, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14593017