Why private gardens mattered so much during the first COVID-19 lockdown

A team of researchers led by the University of Aberdeen has found that private gardens played a vital role in supporting people’s well-being during the U.K.’s first COVID-19 lockdown, when access to public green spaces was significantly restricted.

The study, which is published in PLOS One, analyzed thousands of posts on Twitter (now X) to understand how people used and talked about their gardens during the COVID-19 crisis. In the Greater London study area, mentions of garden use increased more than fivefold compared with the previous year, with users far more likely to describe their gardens as places for socializing, relaxation and leisure. References to mental well-being also rose sharply—from around 4% of posts before lockdown to approximately 20% during lockdown.

The research team highlighted how private gardens became important everyday sanctuaries that helped people cope with social isolation, stress and restricted mobility. National surveys conducted at the same time showed a marked decline in mental well-being across the U.K., underscoring the role that access to nature played in people’s resilience during the crisis.

A separate report found that about 82% of U.K. residents with access to a private garden used it at least weekly during the first lockdown, illustrating the significance of these spaces for day-to-day life.

Dr. Robert Feller, who carried out the study as part of his Ph.D. in the School of Biological Sciences, said, “The findings are timely given ongoing policy discussions about the role of nature in supporting public health.

“Using social media posts shared during the first lockdown, this study captures vivid snapshots of daily life: people working outdoors, chatting with family, gardening, watching birds, or simply stepping outside to clear their head after a stressful day. Together, these insights reveal the wide range of ways people used their gardens—and the emotional and psychological support these spaces provided.

“Initiatives such as Scotland’s Green Health Partnerships promote the use of natural environments to enhance physical and mental well-being, while the RHS State of Gardening Report 2025 showed that 77% of gardeners say gardening benefits their mental health. Our research adds further evidence that private gardens can act as crucial everyday spaces for well-being.

“The study also raises the issue of unequal access to private outdoor space, which may have contributed to disparities in people’s lockdown experiences. Going forward, recognizing the value of gardens—including their contribution to mental well-being—could help inform future urban planning, housing design, and public health strategies aimed at strengthening community resilience and improving people’s connection with nature in cities.”