Parks save the health service over £2bn a year making them a ‘smart investment’, according to the Parks Alliance (TPA).

TPA has published a business case for parks, setting out how they deliver over £6.6bn of health, climate change and environmental benefits every year across England. This includes £2.2bn in avoided health costs.

Making Parks Count argues that they provide a significant return for any investment and can help kickstart the economy post-Covid-19.

Matthew Bradbury, chair of TPA, said: ‘Making Parks Count makes the case for parks. This is the first time that research and evidence of the proven benefits of parks in England has been brought together and a value placed on them at a national level.

’In doing we have exposed the magnitude of the true value of parks for decision makers in local and central government and across health and environment sectors. This shows why parks are a smart investment.’