According to researchers, living in a 'concrete jungle' has a noticeable impact on physical and mental health.
The findings have been published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, and are based on the health records of almost 350,000 people in the Netherlands. The amount of green space near to their home was calculated using their postcode.
The researchers said that green space within a kilometre radius of an individual's home had the most impact on rates of ill health.
They said: 'This study shows that the role of green space in the living environment for health should not be underestimated,' adding that many of the diseases/disorders on which green space seems to exert a positive influence are common and costly to treat.
They said complaints about various physical ailments were significantly lower among those living close to extensive green space. The impact was especially noticeable on rates of mental ill health.
The annual prevalence of anxiety disorders among those living in a residential area containing ten per cent of green space within a one km radius of their home was 26 per 1000, and for those living in an area containing 90 per cent of green space it was 18 per 1000.
Similarly, the figures for depression were, respectively, 32 and 24 per 1000 of the population.
The researchers added that the association was strongest for those people who spent a lot of time in the area, such as younger and older people.
The researchers added: 'Exactly how the provision of green space affects health is not clear, but it may indicate better air quality as well as offering opportunities for relaxation, de-stressing, socialising and exercise.'
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