Climate Change is a major concern for most people and living in a climate-conscious country is probably one of the best chances of survival for humanity. On top of this, having a clean environment positively affects not only humans but our entire ecosystem benefits. An important part of our survival is having clean air, not only is clean air healthy, but it also promotes activeness. According to science, clean air gives you a better quality of life and we agree. If there’s one region of the world that takes this seriously then it’s the UK. With the many UK outdoor places, we are ecstatic and impressed with their commitment to clean, green air. So much so, we’ve put together a list of the cleanest places to visit in the UK.
How is air quality measured?
IQAir is an organisation that measures air quality across the world intending to encourage nations to stop polluting our precious air. Did you know, every year 7 million people die from air pollution. This growing concern by IQAir is what led to the real-time tracker. But how is air quality measured and tracked? Air pollution levels are ranked by PM2.5 – fine particulate matter – data from ground-based air quality stations. The unit used is microgram (µg). Each area is given an air quality score based on the level of air pollution in towns, cities, and villages. The rankings include:
- 0 – 10 µg: WHO Target
- 10 – 12 µg: Good
- 1 – 35.4 µg: Moderate
- 5 – 55.4 µg: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 5 – 150.4 µg: Unhealthy
- 5 – 250.4 µg: Very unhealthy
- 5 µg+: Hazardous
Clean, green places in the UK
According to IQAir, these are the cities with the best quality air, and what’s more, it’s measured in real-time!
High Wycombe
This English town is found northwest of London and is a large market town. Known for its local art and furniture, which you can have a look at in the Wycombe Museum. Currently, High Wycombe’s air quality level is at zero. This is a massive feat, meaning there are no pollutants in the air.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 0
Basford
Basford is a suburb in Nottingham and an estimated 16 779 people are living there. This is a multicultural area which makes it quite diverse. Currently, its air quality is on one, which is excellent.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 1
Tring
This market town is in the Borough of Dacorum with its railway station sprawling 3.2km long. Currently, its air quality is good, making it one place to visit for sure.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 1
Scunthorpe
Known as the Industrial Garden Town, Scunthorpe is famous for its steel processing centre. It’s also the largest settlement in Lincolnshire. And if you are interested in politics, the member of parliament for Scunthorpe is Conservative party member Holly Mumby-Croft.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 1
Shenley
Located only 22km from London, Shenley is a village in Hertfordshire. And if you must know what Shenley is most famous for, it’s the home training ground of Arsenal Football Club – an English football team that needs no introduction.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 2
Stockton-on-Tees
Situated between the towns of Darlington, Hartlepool, and Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees is a large market town. Famously known as the home of the friction match and Stockton and Darlington Railway – interestingly, this railway was the first steam-hauled passenger train in 1825. The town also houses one of the oldest passenger railway station buildings in the world.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 2
Swindon
Located in southwest England, Swindon has a famous museum called STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, which is in a restored station. You can expect to see old-school locomotives and train carriages, including the famous Queen Victoria Royal Saloon. This town also boasts many Victorian Parks and gardens.
Air pollution level: Good
Air quality index: 2
Some other towns and cities include:
- Kingston upon Thames
- Reading
- Bradford-on-Avon
- Girton
*All air quality indexes are correct at the time of publishing.
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