Full Breakdown
Unequal Access to Green and Blue Spaces Across England
By Drooid · · How we work
Scope of the Access Gap
Research commissioned by the Wildlife Trusts and Liberal and Democrats for Nature and Climate (LDNC) found that 238 English parliamentary constituencies—44 % of the total—have at least 20 % of local homes situated more than a 15-minute walk from any green or blue space (rivers, canals, lakes, sea, etc.). Seven of the ten most economically deprived constituencies are among those with low nature access. The analysis was released after a summer heatwave that saw temperatures in some cities reach 38 °C, prompting the Wildlife Trusts to highlight the heightened need for cool, shaded natural areas. A public consultation of 5,000 respondents indicated that many people sought out such spaces to escape the heat.
Calls for Policy Action
The Wildlife Trusts are presenting a green paper to ministers that proposes:
- Making compulsory purchase powers more affordable for local authorities.
- Establishing a community right to buy land for nature access.
- Treating nature as essential infrastructure and freeing capital for maintenance.
- Requiring developers to deliver climate- and nature-friendly housing.
- Granting a statutory right of access to major urban rivers.
Dom Higgins, head of health and education at the Wildlife Trusts, emphasized a “mountain of research” linking nearby natural spaces to physical and mental health benefits, noting lower blood pressure in pregnant women and healthier outcomes for children who spend time in nature-rich environments.
Official Responses
The spokesperson added that the government is working to increase access to nature and the countryside, though the promised green paper has not yet been published.
Verbatim Quote
- “Walking in my local woods in heatwaves is cooling. The physical benefits of a brisk, daily walk are well known, and I feel them.” — Another — Another