UK Launches Nature Towns and Cities Mission for Greener Urban Spaces
A new cross-party mission, Nature Towns and Cities, has launched to bring nature to towns and cities across the UK over the next decade. The program aims to create and improve green spaces, such as parks, wildflower meadows, and street trees, benefiting local communities and wildlife. The National Lottery Heritage Fund will invest £15.5 million to help 40 towns and cities better plan their urban nature recovery.
The program is a coalition of organizations including Natural England, National Trust, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. In Scotland, NatureScot, Earthwatch Europe, and Wee Forest Local Delivery Partners are overseeing the implementation of the Scottish Wee Forests Programme as part of the wider Tiny Forest global family. The program aims to provide the benefits of spending time in nature to over 10 million people in urban areas.
The program has ambitious targets. It aims to help at least 100 places across the UK become greener, healthier, and happier for people to live and work in. At least five million more people will gain access to green space within a short walk from home, and one million children will have daily access to play outdoors in nature. The program also has a target to mobilize £1 billion in investment for greening towns and cities by 2035.
Birmingham has been declared the UK's first official Nature City, and Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole have been named the first Nature Towns. The program will be supported in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland through respective environmental agencies.
The Nature Towns and Cities program is set to transform urban landscapes across the UK. With significant investment and support from various organizations and agencies, the program aims to create greener, healthier, and happier spaces for people to live and work in. The first Nature City and Nature Towns have been announced, with more expected to follow as the program progresses.
