'If you want to feel better, get out into a garden,' says Alan Titchmarsh.

The National Trust has commissioned a new report: Space to Grow, why people need gardens. The report is the first of its kind to look across all aspects of the Trust's work in gardens.

• The National Trust's take on gardens
• Key findings
• Read the full Space to Grow report
• Hear Stourhead's Head Gardener  talk about the importance of gardens

Some new research commissioned to coincide with the launch of the report, has come up with some fascinating statistics.

• Over 70 per cent of the population think that spending time in gardens is important for their quality of life.
• Given the choice, many would rather spend time in their gardens than in front of the television or shopping.
• The overwhelming majority of the public (80 per cent) also believe that children should learn about gardening and growing at school.

Talking about the research, the nation’s favourite gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, commented:	©NTPL/Arnhel de Serra

Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said: 'In today’s fast-paced world, finding space and time to unwind and relax is becoming ever more crucial. Nowhere does this better than the quiet corner of a garden or park that gives us the chance to breathe in our natural surroundings and refresh our weary spirit.

'I am passionate about the idea that everyone should have access to a garden or green space that they feel entitled to enjoy and use. Yet there is still a lack of awareness of the vast opportunities gardens can offer society which is why we’ve published this report to highlight just how important they are.'

The National Trust's take on gardens

©NTPL/Mark Bolton

The National Trust cares for over 200 gardens and landscape parks, more than any other organisation in the UK. The report is the first of its kind to look at the significance of Trust gardens across different sectors, from their role helping children learn about growing food and the natural environment, to the contribution they make to improving the lives of many disadvantaged groups.

Bettina Harden, Chairman of the Gateway Gardens Trust, which helps disadvantaged groups such as refugees and children from deprived urban areas experience the gardens at many Trust properties, sees access to green spaces as a basic human right. 'Gardens offer infinite resources to feed our needs as people.' said Bettina.

Other key findings of our research

• Seven out of 10 think it is important to their quality of life to spend time in gardens (71 per cent agree).
• Sixty eight per cent of people think that gardens are important as they provide an opportunity to unwind / relax.
• The majority of the public (80 per cent) think that all children should learn about gardening including growing food at school.
• Just over half the general public agree that we are a nation of gardeners (53 per cent).
• One in 3 members of the public consider gardens romantic places which can give your love life a boost (32 per cent agree). Men (35 per cent) are more likely than women (29 per cent) to agree with this statement.
• Out of those who believe spending time in gardens is of some importance to their quality of life, just under half (48 per cent) feel it is on balance the most enjoyable activity of the three - 33 per cent say watching TV, and 14 per cent shopping.

Hear Stourhead's Head Gardener reflect on what gardens mean to him