Nearly 48 per cent of Australians with disability have reported feeling anxious, nervous, or tense, according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Research highlights that spending at least 10 minutes outside each day can positively impact mental health outcomes. Natural environments with water, such as lakes and oceans, as well as garden settings, are particularly beneficial. However, even short periods spent in any green environment have proven effective.

The study found that spending “10 minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support or equipment to venture into the wilderness for days or weeks”.

Urban nature refers to natural environments found in cities and metropolitan areas. Examples include community woodlands, urban parks and gardens, wetlands, and green roofs, which bring greenery to otherwise industrial or built-up areas.

Almost 30 per cent of Australians with disability experience “high or very high levels of psychological distress”, compared with fewer than seven per cent of their peers without disability.

Professor Joanna Bettmann, the lead author of the study, suggested that while health professionals recognised the benefits of treatments such as therapy, incorporating nature into mental health care could be advantageous.

“We know nature plays an important role in human health, but behavioural health and health care providers often neglect to consider it as an intervention,” she said.

However, other researchers point out that barriers such as unsuitable park pathways and varying inclines can make it difficult for some people with disabilities, such as those using wheelchairs, to access public parks and other spaces.

The Australian Government is working to make public spaces more accessible for people with disability by incorporating more visual cues, signage, and features such as audible cues.

For a guide to accessible parks in Victoria, go to the Parks Victoria website.