GPS: Plant trees near schools to reduce asthma

PLANTING more trees, especially near schools, could combat lung disease and save lives, according to GPs.

- Steph Spyro

Seven in 10 say they should be able to write prescriptions to spend time in nature to boost the health of future generations.

A survey of 255 doctors across the country found 94% backed more trees around urban schools to help beat conditions like asthma. And 77% supported more "green lung" shrubbery to ease pressure on health services.

Dr Darren Moorcroft, boss of the Woodland Trust, which carried out th poll, said: "This shows the need to prioritise the environment to reduce the burden on the NHS and save lives. Policymakers must take heed of these results."