Welsh Environment Dataset
This dataset contains household-level exposure to multiple aspects of the built environment. The availability of this data and the ability to link it together and to other secondary data sources presents a unique opportunity to gain further insight on identifying the most modifiable aspects of the built environment to inform local authority and government planners and work towards evaluations of interventions.
Component datasets and linkage
The dataset is a composite of multiple data sources and its construction and provisioning are bespoke to the research needs of the user and governance approval. To support projects needs, additional linkages maybe required to other health or administrative data such as general practice data or education data.
| Dataset | Time Covered | Update Frequency | Geographical Coverage | Sample Size |
| Household Greenspace Views | 2010 - 2018 | Irregular | Wales only | 1.4 million homes |
| Greenspace | 2010 - 2019 | Irregular | Wales only | 1.4 million homes |
| Walkability | 2011 - 2021 | Irregular | Wales only | 1.4 million homes |
| Pollution | 2009 - 2015 | Irregular | Cardiff only | 140,000 homes |
| Alcohol | 2006 - 2011 | Irregular | Wales only | 1.4 million homes |
Introduction to the Welsh Environment Dataset
Core documentation
User guide
The user guide is only accessible within the SAIL gateway.
Data dictionary
The data dictionary is only accessible within the SAIL gateway. The data dictionary includes definitions of variables, methodological information, and theoretical basis of environmental variables.
Core documentation is available by request following discussion of requirements with the SAIL team.
Training and support
The SAIL team can offer:
- Support on user training needs (bespoke assessment)
- Attendance at the SAIL User Forum
- Project impact management support
- Support and mentoring from a thematic research team in environmental data studies.
Please contact the SAIL Databank to discuss accessing these.
Published research using the data
- Linking air pollution and educational attainment data
- Linking alcohol outlets and alcohol related hearm to health
- The Green and Blue Spaces and mental health in Wales e-cohort
- Impact of air pollution on educational attainment for respiratory health treated students
- A best practice framework to measure spatial variation in alcohol availability
- An international comparative study of active living environments and hospitalization for Wales and Canada.
Accessing the data
Containing billions of person-based records, SAIL Databank is a rich and trusted population databank. Following application and approval, it provides researchers with secure, fully linkable and anonymised data that can be accessed and analysed from anywhere in the world. SAIL can also anonymously link new data uploaded by users to existing routinely-collected data within SAIL (subject to approvals).
SAIL Databank has established a convenient and effective two stage application process for researchers who would like to access data via the SAIL Databank for high quality research projects.
Costs are dependent on support and infrastructure needs related to your project (such as time for data preparation and use of computing resources). In practice, this means that there is a cost for most projects. This varies based on the complexity of the project, the support you would like from us, and the type of funding. These costs are detailed during the scoping process. Find out more.
Information about policy research priorities
In July 2020, Welsh Government published their policy focus for building healthy environments.
The Welsh Government Programme for Government 2021-2026 sets out commitments relating to the environment and climate change.
In addition, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act priorities underpin research in this area.
Find out more
More information can be found on the SAIL Databank website and Environment and Health Research Centre website.