Sport takes place in, and depends on, real places. Whether it is a local park, playing field, canal towpath, woodland trail, river, lake, coastal route or outdoor sports facility, the quality of the environment around sport directly affects participation, health, wellbeing and resilience.
Blue and green spaces are therefore critical infrastructure for physical activity.
Well-designed blue green environments can:
- increase participation in physical activity
- improve mental wellbeing
- strengthen biodiversity
- reduce pollution
- improve climate resilience
- support inclusion
- create stronger connections between communities and nature
Access to high-quality blue and green environments is part of what good environmental practice looks like in sport.