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Mental health and wellbeing

BNG lessons learned with Local Planning Authorities

Image shows a few newly built houses at a development site in Thakeham. A pond is at the forefront of the image with green grassy land around it and lots of vegetation, allowing for nature to thrive. A beautiful clear blue sky hangs overhead.

By Ruth Andreyeva, Director of Land, Water and Seas strategy Biodiversity net gain (BNG) became mandatory in England earlier in 2024, after many years of collaboration across industry and the public sector. We celebrate this milestone wholeheartedly, but we’re not …

Our Natural Health Service

Image shows Natural England’s Chief Operating Officer, Oliver Harmar, Senior Occupational Health Therapist, Tracy Metcalf and the Care Trust’s Chief Executive, Therese Patten. They stand together on a NHS site, all hold gardening tools, ready to get to work.

By Esther Smith, Senior Adviser, Health and Environment, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team The links between health and nature have arguably never been clearer. The healing power of nature is taking centre stage for people’s health and nature’s recovery …

Joining up nature recovery and health priorities

A young boy, wearing a red mac and yellow trousers climbs over a fallen tree within a lush forest

By Ruth Lamont, Principal Adviser in Research Ethics & Dave Bell, Principal Adviser in Health, Wellbeing and the Environment, at Natural England We know that nature, human health and well-being are intrinsically linked, and this week, Natural England has released …

An awakening: the creativity of science through nature

Image shows Clare Warburton when she was younger leaning over to touch some pink flowers

By Clare Warburton, Deputy Director for Sustainable Development at Natural England International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is an annual UN event, which aims to highlight the work and achievements of women and girls in science, both now …

Wetland restoration: for people and planet

Image shows a common redshank bird standing within a grassy patch with white native flowers growing around it.

By Craig Ralston, Reserve Manager, Natural England World Wetlands Day, an annual awareness day, marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. The adoption took place in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on …

Allonby Bay Coastal Connections Project: exploring and celebrating our coastal heritage

Image shows houses behind a grassy bank of the sea.

Our vision at Natural England, is of thriving nature for people and planet. Our aim is for everyone is able to enjoy nature’s benefits and act for the environment, wherever they live. We want to support people in recognising the …

The Countryside Code: CBBC Newsround

In the image, CBBC Newsround presenter, Shanequa Paris, stands in front of a small group of primary school children, who are sitting on a bench. One child is sat within a wheelchair. The children wear high visibility jackets. Around them, the camera and sound crew hold cameras and boom mics. All are within a small park and discussing the Countryside Code.

By Bruce Cutts Senior Advisor, Natural England The Countryside Code is a guide to the outdoors. Whether you’re in the countryside, enjoying the coast, our waterways or an urban park, it’s there to help guide all of us through nature. …

World Children’s Day: for every child, every right

School children, dressed in brightly red-coloured jumpers stand underneath a tree in a forest. They hold tablets and clipboards and investigate the tree

“Let’s give children opportunities to fall in love with nature because you protect what you love.” — Andrea Koehle Jones Today is World Children's Day and celebrates the power of children to change the world and to support their rights and participation …

Enhancing Access to Green & Blue Spaces for People with Visual Impairment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Science and evidence, Uncategorized
Amar Latif, President of the Ramblers and blind adventurer is walking in the woods with a colleague. Amar is wearing a brown overcoat and is carrying a white cane. He is smiling broadly. His colleague is wearing a blue rain jacket and has his hands in his jean pockets. He is also smiling. The trees in the woods don’t have any leaves and it appears to be a chilly day.

Natural England's mission is 'Building partnerships for Nature recovery,' and we are passionate about building partnerships that make outdoor recreation activities available to everyone. Our commitment to the Equality Act 2010 underscores our dedication to inclusivity in all our endeavours. …

Black History Month 2023: Saluting Our Sisters

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Education, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Uncategorized

October is Black History Month, and across the Defra Group we are celebrating the twin themes of ‘Eliminating prejudice is everyone’s business’ and ‘Saluting Our Sisters’- honouring the achievements of Black women. Black History Month is a time to celebrate …