A new UK research network is bringing together engineers, ecologists, artists, city planners, and community groups to embed low-power sensors and AI into parks and public green spaces, turning them into interactive environments that nudge people to be more active. This matters because physical inactivity is a growing global health crisis, and many built environments actively discourage movement. The network addresses the gap between the proven mental and physical benefits of green spaces and the fact that most people do not use them enough. Current technology often keeps people indoors and sedentary; this project flips that by using tiny, privacy-preserving devices and mobile apps to create games and activities that draw people outside. If successful, the network could produce a roadmap for how cities can retrofit existing parks with cheap, low-power technology—such as smart sensing or interactive trails—that makes walking, cycling, or exploring more appealing. This would directly support green social prescribing, where doctors recommend time in nature as part of a health plan. The work is applied and cross-sectoral, aiming for practical tools rather than fundamental discovery.
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The GREEN+ Network Plus is a new initiative aimed at creating a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral network, which brings together multiple areas of scientific expertise including, engineering, ecology, social science, greenspaces, artists, designers, businesses, social prescribers, city authorities, policymakers and community groups. The network will act as a hub to explore how embedded intelligence, AI, electronics and technology can help increase the use of green spaces, while also positively impacting research on low-power low-cost pervasive technologies. The network’s goal is to foster collaborations that will develop solutions to encourage more people to use green spaces, which has been proven to improve both physical and mental well-being. In addition to funding pilot research projects and results it aims to create a roadmap for future research and innovation on this topic. The environment plays a critical role in shaping our health and influences everything from the air we breathe to our daily routines. Engaging with green spaces not only supports physical health by promoting exercise, but also has a positive effect on mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and facilitating social interaction. Regular physical activity helps prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Despite these well-known benefits, physical inactivity is becoming a global health crisis, with sedentary lifestyles becoming the norm. One of the major challenges we face today is how to encourage more movement and physical activity in a world where many environments promote sitting and inactivity. Too many people spend their days sitting at desks, driving cars, or relaxing on sofas. Creating spaces that naturally promote walking, cycling, and other forms of movement is essential to addressing this issue. Co-designing environments with researchers, green spaces, and the public is essential for making these areas accessible and welcoming, which is crucial for improving public health and reducing health inequalities. It also helps in processing data where it's needed while ensuring privacy is protected. The GREEN+ Network Plus aims to leverage the power of pervasive technologies and “Democratise AI” to make green spaces more engaging and attractive to people from all walks of life. By incorporating tools like mobile apps, low -power low-cost privacy preserving devices, and AI-generated content, we can enhance the experience of being in nature and motivate people to get active. For example, tinyML and smart sensing can be used to create interactive games and activities in green spaces that encourage exploration and physical activity. A project like "TagWithMe.com" which uniquely combines physical and virtual game worlds, can engage users by promoting outdoor play while also teaching them about their environment. This approach not only makes green spaces more fun and accessible but also raises awareness of environmental issues and helps in developing long-term sustainable solutions. The social connections and physical benefits gained from using these spaces align with the growing interest in green social prescribing, where individuals are encouraged to engage with nature as part of their overall health plan.
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