Parks, trails and nature reserves

Water and Wellbeing: The People And Nature Blue Spaces Report

Picture of a reservoir surrounded by reeds on one bank, and trees on another bank.

By Fränze Kibowski, Senior Specialist - Social Sciences This blog explains the results of the recent People and Nature Blue Spaces Report, discussing how we interact with places like beaches, rivers and lakes, while looking at how the findings will …

Explore More for Less: Affordable West Midlands Nature Days Out

This summer, if you’re looking for fun and accessible days out that are low-cost, then we have you covered. Not only is spending time in nature great for your wellbeing, it can also be great for your bank balance. Here are our suggestions for our favourite affordable days …

Growing Green: How England's Cities are Putting Nature at the Heart of Development

A group of 10 people (mixed gender) stand together smiling outside of an old building with trees and shrubs.

By Nicola Brown, Senior Officer, Green Infrastructure  This blog explores the amazing green infrastructure work being done across the UK and Europe to ensure that our towns and cities are resilient enough to cope with the effects of climate change. …

My Day at the Coast with the King: Launching the King Charles III England Coast Path

A group of people in Natural England and England Coast Path uniform in conversation with King Charles III in a walled garden.

By Neil Constable, Programme Manager, King Charles III England Coast Path Team This blog post is a personal reflection by Neil on the official launch of the trail at Seven Sisters in Sussex on 19 March. Neil describes his 16-year …

Landmark for Nature recovery receives the royal seal of approval

Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds, Tony Juniper and His Majesty, King Charles III at the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve

By Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England Nature recovery has taken a major step forward this week with the unveiling of one of the country’s most important National Nature Reserves by a long-standing champion of the natural world – His …

Healthy Outdoors: Strengthening the Evidence for Nature Based Health Interventions 

4 female volunteers in high vis carrying bags of garden waste.

By Dave Bell, Principal Officer: Health & the Environment, Natural England  As studies continue to show the profound benefits of nature and outdoor activity for public health, the Healthy Outdoors guide has been created to address a critical evidence gap: the need for …

Why Nature Close to Home Matters: Evidence from the People and Nature Survey 

By Lydia Dixon, People and Nature Deputy Director, Natural England  A daily dose of nature boosts physical and mental health, strengthens communities, and can save the NHS millions every year. These benefits are often greatest for people in nature-deprived communities, who gain disproportionately from …

Celebrating 25 Years of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – and 20 Years of Public Access Rights

Snailsden Reservoir Peak District National Park. Image: David Drake

By David Drake, People and Nature Director This year marks a double milestone in the history of outdoor access in England and Wales: 25 years since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) was passed, and 20 …

Growing stronger together: community action for nature

Children in school uniforms help with planting outside of a school. An adult and child are kneeling in the foreground, digging at the base of a young tree, while another child stands with a watering can.

By David Drake, Director for People and Nature, Natural England The Nature Towns and Cities Partnership established by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Trust and Natural England, brings together organisations across the UK with a shared vision for …

Celebrating five years of the People and Nature Surveys: What we’ve learned about England’s love for the outdoors 

By Sheldon Allen, Project Manager, Natural England’s People and Nature Survey Team  Nature and happiness – what's the connection?  What makes you feel happy? For most people in England, it’s time spent outdoors. Our People and Nature Survey for England (PaNS) …