David Drake, Director, People & Nature at Natural England
Did you know 47% of people do not currently have access to green space within 15-minutes' walk of home? Nature Towns and Cities aims to transform this reality, enabling millions of people to experience nature as part of their daily lives.
Spending time in nature boosts our mental and physical health, cuts healthcare costs, and drives economic growth—helping our country thrive.
Bringing green spaces into our towns and cities revitalizes communities in multiple ways—creating vibrant social hubs where people connect, attracting valuable investment to boost local economies, and building natural resilience against climate change, one of the greatest threats facing our future prosperity.
Nature Towns and Cities is embedding nature into the heart of local plans and placemaking to create lasting change across the UK, tackling challenges from environmental equity to air pollution.
When nature lives nearer, we all live better
The programme has united a powerful coalition across public, private and third sectors—established by Natural England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust, with expertise from NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Renewed Neighbourhoods Through Green Infrastructure
- Urban green spaces protect communities from climate threats—cooling air by 2-8°C and cutting pollution by up to 22%
- Natural flood management solutions save millions in potential damage costs
- Beyond environmental benefits, these spaces create essential social hubs for connection and recreation
- They revitalise neighbourhoods, attract investment, and build communities that people take pride in
Natural England's role in Nature Towns and Cities
Our Green Infrastructure Framework supports the government’s economic growth priorities by targeting investment where it can deliver the most returns. Green Infrastructure mapping data pinpoints nature-deprived areas with precision, ensuring Green Infrastructure strategies help to bring nature to communities with the greatest need. Our evidence-based standards support the Government's vision that everyone can access quality green space close to home.
We're working with towns and cities across the UK to help create ambitious plans that connect city parks, street trees and community gardens into living networks that work for wildlife and people. By linking urban green spaces with wider ecosystems, we're ensuring that nature and people thrive in the urban landscape —transforming towns and cities into healthier, more resilient places for everyone.
Transforming the UK’s towns and cities through nature
We’re growing a suite of resources, expertise and practical support, providing communities and local authorities with the tools they need for their journey to create greener, more resilient urban spaces.
- Be a part of it
Nature Towns and Cities gives local government, community organisations, charities and professionals across the UK an opportunity to connect with each other, sharing knowledge and solving collective challenges.
The events calendar covers a wide range of topics, featuring case studies and proven solutions. You can come together with others working towards similar goals in small workshops, peer learning sessions and large conferences. And a resource library offers the chance to build your knowledge and spark new ideas. Case studies provide inspiration showing how others have made change happen, and step-by-step guides give you what you need to get started.
You can delve into resources about:
- Funding for green and blue spaces
- A city-wide volunteering model
- Health-focused green space
The accreditation scheme launched in England on 1st April and recognises towns and cities where local authorities collaborate with communities and partners to create greener, healthier places.
Benefits include:
- A framework to help deliver outcomes across public health, climate resilience, nature recovery and economic growth
- Strengthened partnerships between local authorities, communities and other sectors
- External recognition that could attract investment and public support
The scheme was co-designed with local authorities, voluntary organisations, independent experts and government agencies. For more information about the Accreditation:
- Visit the accreditation webpage
- Or join a monthly Q&A session: Events from 01-04-2025 – 13-08-2025 – Nature Towns & Cities
- Capacity building grants
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing up to 20 grants between £250,000 to £1 million across the UK, to provide capacity in local partnerships for developing ambitious place-wide strategies to green urban landscapes. Applications have now closed, and successful grantees will be announced this summer.
Register for the Online Conference – 5th June
Join change-makers from local government, public sector and community organisations for this essential one-day virtual event.
Attend our event on transforming urban landscape through nature. Hear from experienced practitioners, discover what’s working and why and extend your influence through expert keynotes, interactive workshops, and UK case studies. Network with like-minded professionals and be part of this vital conversation to revitalize urban neighbourhoods. Book now.
Natural England is proud to be part of this transformative programme, bringing our mission of 'thriving nature for people and planet' to urban areas nationwide. Together, we can transform our towns and cities into greener, healthier places—improving quality of life and raising living standards for millions.
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