TWIGS community garden volunteers have backed new research saying parks and green urban spaces can protect against mental health decline as people get older.

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health looked at the impact of parks on the mental health of pensioners.

It found walking between busy urban environments and green spaces triggers changes in levels of excitement and engagement and reduces frustration.

Twigs (Therapeutic Work In Gardening in Swindon) gives people with mental health problems the chance to regain confidence, self-esteem and to learn new skills in their The Manor Garden Centre project.

Twigs service manager Alan Holland said walking in green spaces was essential for maintaining mental health or for those who have pre-existing mental health conditions.

He said: “We absolutely agree with this.

“If people have depression, their mind may be consumed by things that occurred in the past. If you have anxiety you’re worried about things that may happen. But when you come into a garden or any green space your mind is saturated by the beauty of it all and there isn’t room for a lot else

“Also it gives people the chance to put their worries aside for a few minutes and concentrate on what is around them rather than their thoughts

“All too often people forget about their needs and don’t get the chance to walk through the green spaces in their-day-to-day life which you really do need for good mental health.

“For all of us, mental problems or not, it makes a huge difference to have that space to relax and reflect. We all need that experience every day and it is something we should all be working towards.

Alan said Swindonians could make use of the numerous beauty spots in and around the town.

He said: “There are plenty of beautiful green spaces in Swindon such as our garden. Lydiard, Coate, Town Gardens in Old Town, and I would recommend making time to spend outdoors purely to relax and unwind. It is calming, it’s quiet and it really does help in today’s busy world

The study is part of a larger project looking at mobility, mood and place and the role of the urban environment in promoting life-long health and well-being

Eight volunteers aged 65 and over wore a special headset which recorded their brain activity as they walked through different urban environments

Researchers also ran a video of the route asking the volunteers to describe how they felt through the walks.