The UK is underinvesting in one of its most effective tools for tackling climate change, improving public health and supporting economic growth, according to a landmark report published today by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

Launched at Horticulture, The Conference, The Value of Green Spaces is the third report in the HTA’s Value series, following The Value of Plants (2023) and The Value of Gardens (2025), setting out the economic, environmental and health contribution of environmental horticulture to the UK. This latest report demonstrates that parks, street trees, public planting and wider green infrastructure should be treated as essential national infrastructure alongside housing, transport and energy.

Bringing together significant economic, environmental and health evidence alongside new YouGov polling of 2,376 UK adults, the report shows how green spaces can cool towns and cities during heatwaves, reduce flood risk, improve mental and physical health, support biodiversity and help create healthier, more resilient communities.