Skip to main content

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 …

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 …

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. …

Children & Nature Programme: the importance of integrating time spent in nature at school

Fathe with two children looking at nature

Across government, we share an aspiration to create healthy, happy societies. One mechanism for achieving this is by improving the connection people have with nature, which provides better mental and physical health. For children, the effects are more profound, with …

A blueprint for a better future: new Green Infrastructure advice

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Mapping, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England

My connection with nature started when I was a small boy, aged 9, sat by a small pond no more than 10 feet across, watching sticklebacks swimming around in the weeds. As I sat there a kingfisher arrived and started …

Celebrating the Children and Nature Programme – how learning in nature supports children’s mental and physical health, social skills and attainment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Education, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England
Group of children enjoying nature

“Who wouldn’t enjoy witnessing the children having a forward roll race on the grass outside?” Natural England was delighted to be joined recently by representatives from government, the education and environment sectors at Liverpool John Moores University to celebrate the …