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Mental health and wellbeing

New Nature Connection website brings together   policy, practice and research

The University of Derby and Natural England have been developing a Nature Connectedness Network and it has now gone public with the launch of its website! CLICK HERE  www.natureconnectedness.net As society becomes more aware of the mutual dependency between people …

Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project: Helping a post-industrial landscape bloom and buzz

By Dr Chloe Hardman, Senior Project Manager, West Midlands Team Bustling towns and cities, major transport routes, the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Where are we?  The northern edge of the West Midlands Conurbation, home to 2.9 million people.  Step …

Small but mighty! Nature recovery seed corn projects 2024 

The government is committed to nature recovery and Natural England (NE) is working with partners to grow a national Nature Recovery Network (NRN). This growing network of enhanced, better-connected wildlife-rich places supports biodiversity and species recovery. It will also enhance climate …

How NE is helping people connect with nature in the West Midlands  

By Dr Chloe Hardman, Senior Project Manager, West Midlands Area Team  How do you connect with nature?  Noticing birdsong?  Watching the changing seasons?  There is scope for us all to find ways to connect with nature more deeply and experience …

Nature Connectedness: Creating a network of champions across Cumbria

There has been a significant decline in the amount of time children and young people spend playing outside, and alongside this we have seen declines in mental and physical health. Access to, and relationships with nature can play an important …

Shaun the Sheep: a visit to Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve

By Stephanie Wilson, Reserve Manager, Thames Solent Team at Natural England Here at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve (NNR), conservation grazing is one of many management tools we use to look after the site. You could argue having a conservation …

Biodiversity Net Gain: delivering benefits for health

A pond that has been installed at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service site in York. (Image courtesy of Alexis Percival)

This Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) guest blog explores the essential role of nature in promoting overall health. Experts highlight its benefits for mental and physical well-being. They also discuss the broader benefits of integrating BNG into project planning from the …

All Smiles for Nature and Health in the Humber Region 

Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (Natural England Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team) and Anthony Hurd, Programme Manager (Green Social Prescribing, HEY Smile Foundation)  Imagination and collaboration go a long way in helping us to develop new and …

Reclaiming the Narrative: Celebrating Heritage and Connection to Nature

Michelle Mangal, Senior Manager, Connecting People with Nature team As we celebrate Black History Month this October, the theme “Reclaiming the Narrative: Reclaiming Connections with Nature,” feels more relevant than ever. At Natural England, we’re proud to highlight the fantastic …

Testing the Miyawaki Method in Our Urban Greenspaces

A project officer stands within the patch of newly planted trees

By Louise Butfoy, Trees Outside Woodland Project Officer, Kent Country Council As a Project Officer at Kent County Council, I’ve been working on the Trees Outside Woodlands project since its inception in October 2020. The project is funded by HM …