New research from the University of Gloucestershire has found that one of the biggest barriers to accessing cooler, quieter outdoor spaces during hot weather is not a lack of suitable locations but simply that residents do not know where they are. Published on 7 July, the findings show that clear maps, icons, and social stories help people confidently visit unfamiliar places.
Environmental noise is the second-largest environmental health risk in Western Europe after air pollution, while more frequent heatwaves make shaded green and blue spaces critical for public health. “Our research shows that accessibility is as much about information as it is about physical infrastructure,” said co-investigator Sarah Jones-Morris, a lecturer in landscape architecture. She added that helping people discover nature-rich places could improve wellbeing, support inclusive experiences, and encourage more visitors to stay longer and participate in city life.
The Bristol Quiet Areas Plan worked directly with neurodivergent participants to co-design an inclusive approach across three pilot sites: Temple Church Gardens, St Stephen’s Church Gardens, and Millennium Promenade. The project, funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Ecological Citizens Network+ and running from December 2025 to August 2026, produced a new Bristol Quiet Areas Map hosted by Visit West. A Geographic Information System dataset has also been shared with Bristol City Council.
Quiet spaces are defined not by silence but by lower noise levels and positive natural sounds like birdsong, rustling leaves, and flowing water. Facilities such as toilets, seating, and shade also influence whether people choose to visit. The findings could now be expanded across Bristol and tested in other UK towns and cities as a climate adaptation strategy, potentially guiding future local council policies on accessibility, nature, and health.
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