Visiting the beach boosts wellbeing, government research finds, as coastal landscapes have 'therapeutic effect'

For centuries, doctors have prescribed a good gulp of sea air as the cure for many ailments, but government research has now shown a day by the coast actually does have a therapeutic effect.

A new review by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Exeter University, showed people spending time by the sea reported increased happiness, better general health and were more physically active during their visit, compared to visits to other types of environment.

The government is planning to build on this research and find out whether this increased level of activity would improve obesity levels and reduce vitamin D deficiency.

The study also found that some coastal areas were particularly good for health; reserves with designated or protected status and those with higher levels of biodiversity were associated with higher levels of calmness, relaxation and revitalisation, compared to locations without this status.

Professor Lora Fleming, Director of the Exeter University European Centre for Environment and Human Health, said:   “This project has shown that our coast helps to cater for a variety of human needs, from keeping healthy, to connecting with others.  

“There are, however, a number of evidence gaps which we wish to further explore, such as the effects of marine environments on obesity prevalence in children and Vitamin D in adults, or the life stage at which nature-based interventions are most effective, and how they may vary among economic, social and cultural groups in the population.”

The report also warns that in the coming decades, climate change and extreme weather has the potential to jeopardise sensitive marine habitats, wiping out some species and changing our coastline forever.

Domestic marine minister Rebecca Pow, said: "Whether it is to enjoy a sport, take a walk, watch the wildlife or to simply admire the landscape, for many of us spending time by the sea is not only hugely enjoyable, but it has a welcome impact on our wellbeing too.

"This realisation makes it all the more important that we take care of our environment, and our ever-expanding national 'Blue Belt', protecting more than 40 per cent of English waters, is helping to safeguard these precious habitats for future generations."

In England, 271 million recreational visits are made to coastal environments annually and more than 22 million people live within 5 miles of the coast