Research globally, including that commission by NBC, shows direct interaction with nature makes us happier and healthier. In fact, spending as little as 20-30 minutes a day in nature can provide significant health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced overall wellbeing, leading to a better overall quality of life for you and the people you love.

Nature is a powerful force with incredible capabilities. One of it’s superpowers is the ability to help reduce our exposure to pollutants, UV radiation and extreme heat which can compromise our health and lead to challenging and complex illnesses – some of which last a lifetime. Simply put, more time in nature is the best medicine a doctor could prescribe.

The integration of green spaces within a community creates areas for gathering, exercising and socialising, enhancing connections among residents and building a stronger, more unified neighbourhood. Amazingly, nature helps us access genuine opportunities to get to know our neighbours and form meaningful connections, which keeps our communities safer and more resilient.

Prioritising nature not only delivers returns for the planet, but returns for homeowners. Our data proves that homes within close proximity to parks with direct access to nature can increase in value by up to 17% when compared with homes not in proximity.

Thanks to their natural ability to protect us and help us manage the weather, trees are high-value for communities, especially as temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable. The shade they produce and the cover they provide can help homeowners lower power costs related to heating and cooling in a sustainable way.