Exploring the benefit of blue spaces for mental health and wellbeing
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 28th October 2026
A new report has shown the value of blue spaces for people’s health and wellbeing, as well as how these benefits are not shared evenly across society.
Published by Greenspace Scotland, the Worth of Water report explores the positive effects spaces that beaches, coasts, rivers and lochs have on people’s mental health.
The report focuses on blue space use in the Forth region, with adults in the region spending a combined 105 million hours in blue spaces annually, with visit frequency remaining relatively stable across the seasons.
Walking was the most common activity, with getting fresh air, seeing wildlife and improving mental health and wellbeing the main reasons for visiting blue spaces.
Like many health impacts, the positive effects were unequally distributed. Those with higher incomes were 23% more likely to visit blue spaces than those on lower incomes, and those with a disability or in poorer health were significantly less likely to visit.
As well considering the impacts on individuals, a policy report also calls for recognition of blue spaces within population health and prevention strategies, given the range of benefits they provide.