David Wilson Homes receive a good dose of Vitamin G

In the past, fitness crazes and faddy diets have covered everything imaginable from diets of cabbage soup to hula hoops, each boasting a shorter life span than the one before, and each with one ultimate goal in mind, to promote health and wellbeing. However, there is now evidence to support that a simple dose of ‘Vitamin G' is all you need to keep healthy and happy.

‘Vitamin G,' or regular contact with open green space, not only encourages regular physical exercise, but it can also reduce stress and helps to preserve your well being. As a result, ‘Vitamin G' or ‘green exercise' is weaving its way into all aspects of modern life, with many people striving to effortlessly incorporate as much of it into their day as possible.

The idea that access to natural light and open space can improve health is nothing new. Hospitals and nursing homes have been utilising this concept for years to encourage health. However, a recent survey has revealed that residents of neighbourhoods with abundant green space tended to enjoy a better health condition, with more frequent visits to open green space resulting in fewer reports of stress-related illnesses. Consequently, major housebuilders, such as David Wilson Homes, are increasing their focus on areas of public open space in their developments, to provide residents with a daily dose of ‘Vitamin G'.

Sales director for David Wilson Homes Northern, Steve Jackson explains: "We have seen a new trend emerging, whereby prospective buyers are adding ‘Vitamin G' to their checklist of things to look for in a new home. Indeed, the properties are no longer providing the focal point of a development; large, appealing areas of open green space are now the main attraction, leaving properties on the outskirts. This setting is proving increasingly popular with homebuyers, as it not only offers easy access to a regular injection of ‘Vitamin G', but it also awards many of them a relaxing view of green space from the sanctuary of their own home.

"Consequently, numerous areas of public open space are being incorporated into the design of developments, along with conservation areas, wildlife habitats and places of outdoor activity such as cycle tracks and play grounds, to help provide a beneficial effect on both physical and mental heath.

"For example, our Fountain Head Village development in Halifax is surrounded by beautiful open countryside, with the picturesque Heeble Brook running along its side. There are also several village greens located throughout the development, ideal for children to play and plans are also underway to develop additional sporting facilities with two private junior football pitches, tennis courts and a swimming pool under consideration.

"In addition, large bay windows, balconies and French doors have been included in the designs of our homes to enable natural light to fill them and offer further exposure to ‘Vitamin G'."

Regular access to green space also boasts many other advantages which increase wellbeing. Outdoor space can encourage the formation of communities, as its use appeals to all age groups, sexes and personalities, and it provides a natural meeting place for social integration. It has also been argued that residents, in particular women, feel safer when in an area of green space,[4] consequently adding to a feeling of wellbeing and security in their home surroundings.

Steve continues: "We are increasing the introduction of ‘housing parcels' into our designs, whereby each ‘parcel' of homes circles or is located within close proximity to an area of green space. This creates a natural surveillance overlooking public areas, and in turn, a safer environment."

The positive effects of green space on wellbeing are endless, which is why David Wilson Homes carefully considers each location and design layout for its developments, to help establish active, healthy, safe, and welcoming communities.

To arrange a viewing of any of the properties on the Fountain Head Village portfolio, visit the sales centre which is open Thursday to Monday between 10.30am and 5.30pm or visit the website at Dwh.co.uk.