A PROFESSOR who has been developing a “tranquility trail” around Bradford is using his research to develop similar trails across the country.

Using scientific formulae, Professor Greg Watts, of the University of Bradford, has mapped out a 3.5 mile trail in Bradford that takes advantage of the “maximum tranquility” that can be experienced within walking distance of the city centre.

His work is now leading the way in showing city dwellers how they can escape the hustle and bustle and recharge their batteries, without leaving the city.

The Bradford trail’s creation follows an extensive study, led by Prof Watts and Dr Rob Pheasant, both of the University’s Centre for Sustainable Environments, which analysed the relative tranquillity of urban environments, using a tranquillity rating prediction tool, previously developed at the University.

The Bradford trail would start in City park and pass through Peel Park and Undercliffe Cemetery.

His team has also developed routes in Kingsbridge in South Devon and Guildford, with ones in Ilkley, Leeds and Tramore in the south of Ireland in the works.

The Tranquillity Rating Prediction Tool measures how relaxing urban environments and public spaces are, linking green open spaces and watersides and using quiet residential roads or footpaths to form a circular walking route.

It measures factors like noise levels, natural and man-made features, including historic buildings, traffic, vegetation and green space, and environment, including litter and graffiti.

In a new paper published in the Urban Forests and Urban Greening journal, Prof Watts uses the tool to predict the variation of tranquillity along the various routes and the proportion of time spent at each level of tranquillity.

A questionnaire survey carried out amongst walkers revealed that all respondents considered the tranquillity of the route as “very important” or “fairly important”.

Over three-quarters indicated that they were more relaxed and nearly two- thirds were less anxious after completing the tranquillity trail.

Nearly half mentioned healthy exercise and over a quarter said that they had new and interesting experiences while others mentioned social aspects of following the route with a friend or family member.

Prof Watts said: “Cities can be stressful places with congested roads to negotiate and pavements full of shoppers or commuters hurrying to the next destination. The traffic noise, horns, sirens all add to the cacophony. Being able to identify those routes that offer the highest levels of tranquillity has real benefits, both physical and psychological, and more areas are now taking advantage of our method to establish tranquillity trails of their own.”