Nature 'is worth billions' in UK

The health benefits of merely living close to a green space are worth up to £300 per person per year, a new report, The National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA), concludes.

Ministers who commissioned the NEA will use it to re-shape planning policy.

"The natural world is vital to our existence, providing us with essentials such as food, water and clean air - but also cultural and health benefits not always fully appreciated because we get them for free," said Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.

"The UK NEA is a vital step forward in our ability to understand the true value of nature and how to sustain the benefits it gives us."

The hope is that it will change the policy on urban and rural planning. For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13616543