Researchers at the University of Bradford have devised a new formula for measuring tranquillity, which could help to increase the health benefits of urban and country parks.

According to Greg Watts, professor of transportation noise at the School of Engineering's Centre for Sustainable Environments, the toolkit could help in the design of better parks. Methods to assess noise levels and the visual setting have been devised by Professor Watt, which give each amenity an accurate and consistent "tranquillity rating".

Professor Watt said: "When people are surrounded by images of nature and hear natural sounds rather than mechanical noises they find it easier to recover from stress. "Our research assessed what particular factors would improve tranquillity in green open spaces, and what factors would degrade it, so that an overall tranquillity rating can be calculated."

Image: shutterstock.com/Matthew William-Ellis