Wildlife campaigners will inform the government that everyone in the UK should have legal access to the same nature.
If local authorities fail to provide healthy green space as per plans developed by more 60 nature, planning and health equality organisations, communities and NGOS can take them to court. They argue that this is despite the fact that there is Strong evidenceAccessible, nature-rich spaces can improve our mental and physical well-being, and lower mortality. One in three peopleEngland is unable to access nature near its home.
Visits to urban parks or other green spaces Nearly doubledIn the decade preceding the pandemic, the number of people affected was 1.2bn (2009-10) to 2.1bn (2018-19).
The poorest communities fare worse because they are less fortunate It is twice as likelyLiving in a place without nature-rich areas is not an option. The coalition, which includes Greenpeace Wildlife and Countryside Link and Institute for Public Policy Research, and The Wildlife Trusts adds that any plans to level up should include access to nature.
Research by Wildlife and Countryside Link which will be available on Monday Starts a petitionThis was done to encourage the government to pass this law.
Dr Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, stated to the Guardian that Michael Gove (secretary of state for levelling housing and communities), was as ignorant of nature as he was of Michael Gove in his white paper.
He stated that although there were some references to nature (page 212 or something similar), the headline announcements did not mention people’s environmental rights.
It was not surprising that the paper’s six capitals didn’t include natural capital.
Campaigners stated that natural spaces are at risk of being developed, with 11% of urban greenspace lost over the past 15 years.
Local authorities could make it easier for people to access nature by improving transport links to green space, creating new parks, and restoring neglected and substandard natural areas. Campaigners argue that improving the quality and quantity of local natural areas is essential to meet government targets to preserve 30% of the land for nature by 2030, and stop the decline of species by 2030.
Craig Bennett, The Wildlife Trusts’ chief executive, stated: Having access wild places and wildlife shouldn’t be a luxury, but an essential part of everyday living. We all know how much people treasure the time they spend in nature near their homes. But for many communities, this is simply not possible. The poorest areas have nine times more green space than the richest, and the poorest areas are the ones where people’s health is at its worst.
Our cities have a major role to play in nature’s recovery. We must create and join up habitats to allow species to recover, and to benefit people as well. It is vital that nature be at the center of all planning and developments, for wildlife, communities, climate, and other aspects.
The bid has been supported by TV stars such as Deborah Meaden, Dragons Den presenter, and Gillian Burke, Springwatch presenter.
Meaden stated: It is becoming increasingly apparent that there are large inequalities regarding the availability of green spaces and the access to nature that people have close to their homes. I have always believed strongly that nature should be close to people’s homes, work places, and visits. This is crucial for our mental and physical well-being.
Despite 80% of Brits wanting to have a legal right in local nature, it has not yet been established in law. Therefore, building developments don’t have to take this into consideration. This must change.
