Green spaces are recognized for improving mental health, but what particular kind of nature is required is yet not elucidated. This study explores the effect of specific types of recreational nature qualities on mental health. Longitudinal data (1999/2000 and 2005) from a public health survey was distributed to a stratified sample (n = 24,945) of a Swedish population. People from rural or suburban areas (n = 9230) who had moved between baseline and follow-up (n = 1419) were studied. Individual geographic residence codes were linked to five predefined nature qualities, classified in geographic information systems (GIS). Any change in the amount of or type of qualities within 300 m distance between baseline and follow-up was correlated to any change in mental health (as measured by the General Health Questionnaire) by logistic regression models. On average, the population had limited access to nature qualities both pre- and post-move. There was no significant correlation between change in the amount of qualities and change in mental health. However, the specific quality “serene” was a significant determinant with a significantly decreased risk for women of change to mental ill-health at follow-up. The objective definition of the potentially health-promoting quality may facilitate implication in landscape practice and healthy planning

A salutogenic approach to health encourages health promotion by focusing on health factors rather than risk factors. One such health factor that has lately gained attention is access to nature. Research on health effects of green, natural environments has demonstrated improved psychological wellbeing, reduced stress levels, reduced mortality in cardiovascular diseases, and decreased socioeconomic health inequities. In addition, access to green environments has positive effects on physical activity and obesity.

Various theories and pathways have been proposed for explaining the positive relation between green environments and health. Theories suggest for example that humans have an innate preference for natural environments, based on our evolutionary need for nature elements, such as fresh water and the shade of trees. This would in turn contribute to automatic stress reduction in such landscapes. Other theories have stressed the potential for natural environments to provide attention restoration by nature’s optimal balance between input and demands. Parts of these theories have gained empirical support Other research has demonstrated that particular patterns of nature or sounds of nature can have positive effects.

In order to make an attempt of objectifying the nature qualities the characteristics were inventoried and classified outdoors in fields by landscape researchers. This can be described as a first intuitive and discerning classification method. Secondly, this inventory classification was compared with specific maps. Different combinations of variables were tested and compared with the inventory classification. When the correspondence between the GIS maps and the inventory classification was considered satisfactory, the final combination of GIS variables for classifying each characteristic was applied