We want to create cities where nature and people can thrive.
Through our Nature in Cities programmes, we work to create greener, healthier cities and improve access to nature-rich spaces. Together with communities, we deliver new urban nature-based solutions and community activities to empower people of all ages and from all walks of life to connect with nature and take action for our planet.
Around 1 in 3 people in the UK don’t have access to nature-rich spaces near their homes, with some of the most deprived areas having no natural green space. Minority groups are twice as likely to live in nature-poor neighbourhoods.
Greener cities, better cities.
Evidence shows that living in a greener environment can promote and protect good health, aid in recovery from illness and help manage poor health. Access to nature is also associated with better mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Green spaces can help to bind communities together, reduce loneliness, and mitigate the negative effects of air pollution, excessive noise, heat and flooding. Disadvantaged groups appear to gain a larger health benefit and have reduced socioeconomic-related inequalities in health when living in greener communities.
However, around 1 in 3 people in England don’t have accessible nature-rich spaces near their homes, with no green space at all in some of the most deprived areas. Almost 40% of people of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BAME) live in England’s most green space-deprived neighbourhoods, and ethnic minority groups are twice as likely to live in nature-poor neighbourhoods.We urgently need to redress the balance and bring nature back into underserved communities in the UK.
Our programmes
Green Earth Schools
Transforming school grounds into nature-rich spaces for exceptional outdoor learning and play. Through our Green Earth Schools programme, we collaborate… Read more
Tiny Forest
Fast-growing urban forests Tiny Forest brings the benefits of woodlands into the heart of our cities and urban spaces: connecting… Read more
Next Generation
Empowering the next generation to take action for the planet Our young people face unprecedented environmental and societal challenges. But… Read moreLatest news
Earthwatch leads coalition of charities urging the Government not to abandon urban tree planting
A coalition of leading environmental charities and local councils, led by Earthwatch Europe, has today sent a letter to Mary… Read more
Earthwatch responds to Government’s proposed planning reforms
The Planning Reform Working Paper In December 2024, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government published a Planning Reform… Read more
London’s first Tiny Orchard planted in Hendon
London’s first Tiny Orchard was planted on Tuesday 17 December in Hendon. The planting day marked a key milestone of… Read moreNature in Cities newsletter
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Research projects
