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Celebrating 75 years of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 

Lake District. Ashness Bridge with Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Paul Glendell

By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England We know now that access to nature is vital for our health and wellbeing, and when we feel a connection with nature, we’re more likely to care for it and help its recovery. …

1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act - a reflection from Navroza Ladha

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Landscape, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife

By Navroza Ladha, Chief Officer for Legal, Governance and External Affairs at Natural England On the 16 December this year (2024) we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the groundbreaking “1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act”, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …