By Lydia Dixon, People and Nature Deputy Director, Natural England A daily dose of nature boosts physical and mental health, strengthens communities, and can save the NHS millions every year. These benefits are often greatest for people in nature-deprived communities, who gain disproportionately from …
By Martin Moss, Senior Officer - Green Infrastructure Mapping Team As recognition grows of the importance of nature to our health and wellbeing, understanding green infrastructure provision is vital to ensuring everyone can benefit from nature wherever they live. Natural …
By Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England Earlier this month I had the pleasure of visiting Dartmoor National Park and meeting the inspiring Kats Koster-Shadbolt, winner of last year’s New Perspective Award at the Campaign for National Parks’ National …
By Val Woods, Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training (COAT) Lead Officer, Natural England I consider myself fortunate to be working on a fantastic project which is based at the beautiful Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve (NNR). I manage the Centre …
Human health and nature are deeply interconnected. However, many people do not feel a strong connection to nature in their day-to-day lives. Strengthening our connection to nature can address shared challenges such as health and wellbeing, drive nature’s recovery and …
By David Drake, Director for People and Nature, Natural England On 24 April 2025, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable celebration - the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way. As Britain’s first National Trail, the Pennine Way remains …
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 …
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 …
Prof Sallie Bailey, Chief Scientist I am excited to have started my role as Chief Scientist and recently attended my first meeting of Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee (NESAC). NESAC is a formal committee of Natural England’s Board, who are …
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 …
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We’re the government’s adviser for the natural environment, helping to protect England’s nature and landscapes for people to enjoy.
