雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. A recent study conducted in Melbourne followed 1,000 residents over five years. The researchers found that people living within 300 meters of a park or garden reported significantly lower stress levels. Interestingly, the size of the green space mattered less than its accessibility. Even small pocket parks had a positive effect if they were well-maintained and had benches. However, the study also noted that the benefits were strongest for residents who visited these spaces at least once a week. The lead researcher, Dr. Helen Carter, emphasized that planners should prioritize creating networks of small green areas rather than focusing solely on large central parks.