Access-to-nature crisis ‘on par with that of Victorian Britain’s filthy air’
Summary
Nearly half of England’s parliamentary areas have poor access to nature, with many homes located too far from parks or waterways. A wildlife charity warns this problem worsens health risks, especially during extreme heat, and urges the government to take faster action to ensure everyone can reach green or blue spaces within a 15-minute walk.Key Facts
- 44% of parliamentary constituencies in England have at least 20% of homes more than 15 minutes’ walk from green or blue spaces.
- Blue spaces include areas with water such as rivers, lakes, or seas.
- Seven of the 10 poorest constituencies have low access to nature.
- Extreme heat in England recently increased the need for cool, shaded natural areas.
- The Wildlife Trusts and partners presented a green paper calling for better nature access and biodiversity protection.
- The charity wants the government to let communities buy land for nature, treat green spaces as essential infrastructure, and require eco-friendly housing development.
- Public consultation showed people rely on nature for physical and mental health benefits, especially during heatwaves.
- Access to rivers in cities is proposed to become a legal right.
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