New research from the Wildlife Trusts and Liberal and Democrats for Nature and Climate (LDNC) indicates that nearly half of all parliamentary constituencies in England have low access to nature. This is despite a government target aiming for everyone to be within a 15-minute walk of a green or blue space.
The analysis found that 238 English constituencies, representing 44% of the total, have 20% or more local properties located over 15 minutes' walk from a green or blue space. Seven of the 10 most economically deprived constituencies were identified as having low access to nature.
The Wildlife Trusts are presenting a green paper to ministers, seeking to expedite Labour’s manifesto commitment to enhance nature access and promote biodiversity. Matthew Browne, head of public affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, stated that the research highlights "stark inequalities in access to nature across England, with direct parallels between economic and nature deprivation."
The charity is urging the government to make it more affordable for local authorities to use compulsory purchase powers for land, establish a community right to buy land for nature access, and treat nature as essential infrastructure. They also call for mandatory climate- and nature-friendly housing estates from developers and a statutory right to access major rivers.
The government has not yet published its own promised access to nature green paper, which was expected last autumn. A government spokesperson said they are focused on restoring nature and increasing access, citing initiatives like new National River Walks and the King Charles III England Coast Path.