Funding for research which evaluates the health impacts of interventions which change access to green and blue space.
Evaluations may encompass both innovative, smaller-scale public health initiatives and broader, community-level strategies aimed at increasing access to green and blue spaces. Also of interest are evaluations of interventions not specifically aimed at access, but which positively or negatively impact access.
Comparative studies examining outcomes in communities with interventions that impact access to greenspaces versus those with limited availability are particularly encouraged.
Research areas of interest could include, but are not limited to:
- evaluation of interventions that address both barriers to knowledge and physical access to green and blue spaces, including community perspectives on perceived safety concerns, lack of awareness and physical distance
- studies of knowledge-building interventions, such as information campaigns, designed to raise community awareness of existing green and blue spaces, encouraging broader and more informed usage across different populations (as well as determinants such as socio-cultural norms, attitudes and historical legacies)
- research on the impact of infrastructure (urban planning and transportation) and decision-making on equitable access to green and blue spaces, particularly in marginalised communities. This includes examining how planning, such as inclusive designs and lighting maintenance, can improve safety while meeting other objectives such as housebuilding and regeneration. This also includes how transport improvements can reduce physical distance barriers, and the prioritisation of green and blue spaces within walking distance of disadvantaged areas
- studies of the impact of specific infrastructure improvements in quality and quantity, such as transportation links, pathways, and signage, which can enhance physical access to natural spaces for disadvantaged communities
- urban planning interventions that promote health through maintaining and enhancing green and blue spaces, improving transportation and access to parks and leisure facilities, or creating new areas to for biodiversity and wildlife conservation. You may also wish to explore collaborative interventions across sectors and organisations
- studies of community-level Interventions that enhance access, cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness for vulnerable populations, such as minority ethnic groups, women, people with disabilities and economically disadvantaged individuals. This might include actions that increase community agency, choice and engagement, focusing on systemic improvements rather than individual-level research such as educational interventions
- studies of interventions that improve safety and promote inclusive activities for women, older populations, marginalised peoples, families and children, like park runs or scouting initiatives that encourage lifelong engagement with outdoor spaces and alleviate parental concerns about safety
- research on the impact of specific nature-based interventions in specific settings such as hospitals, NHS or healthcare, schools, housing regeneration or commercial premises, and the nature of the impact (both positive and negative) on the receptor population groups such as patients, disadvantaged communities, children and young people or office workers
Of particular importance to NIHR is an understanding of inequalities in policy impact and access to services. Evaluations of interventions seeking to reduce health inequalities are therefore of specific interest. Interventions can affect various (sub)populations differently, including specific cultural groups, vulnerable groups, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged populations. Therefore, you are encouraged to clearly define and substantiate both your selected interventions and target populations.
KEY DATES
Outline application deadline: 21 April 2026
Shortlisting decision: Early July 2026
Full application deadline: 25 August 2026
Webinar: NIHR held a webinar on 3 June 2025 to support applications for this and other commissioned funding opportunities. If you would like a recording and a copy of the slides, please email phr@nihr.ac.uk.
More information, including a detailed research specification and application guidance, can be found on the opportunity webpage.