When nature lives nearer, we all live better
Our aim is to help millions more people enjoy time in nature close to home, in greener, thriving towns and cities.
Nature Towns and Cities is a coalition of organisations from across the public, private and third sectors who are committed to bringing nature and green space to urban areas for everyone's benefit.
This coalition will help to put nature, green infrastructure and heritage at the very heart of local decision-making, focusing on those areas that will benefit the most. Over the next 10 years we’re aiming to help 5 million more people to have easy access to green and blue space close to home, and 1 million more children to be able to play in nature on their doorstep.
We are including every kind of green space freely accessible to people and where nature lives, from street trees to community gardens, from urban woods to historic public parks, from river and canal-sides to recreation grounds
The benefits nature brings
Millions of people living in urban areas lack vital access to nature and green space close to home. Yet evidence shows it makes us healthier, happier, more connected and more resilient.
People enjoying the outdoors
Enjoying time in green space and connecting with nature makes us happier and healthier. Especially those of us who live in urban areas and the youngest in society.
Bringing communities together
Green space can be the beating heart of community life, bringing together a unique mix of people and place. Green spaces are even more special when communities are able to shape and care for them.
Climate-resilient places
From cooling streets and cleaning the air to absorbing excess rainfall through green, spongy surfaces, green infrastructure can help reduce the effects of climate change in our towns and cities.
Thriving places that people are proud of
From historic parks to community gardens, green spaces and natural infrastructure give our towns and cities their character, culture and heritage. They are also a source of local pride, making great places to live, work and invest in.
Supporting people and places
We all want to see greener, healthier, more resilient and prosperous towns and cities.
From local government to business; from public health to planning; and from volunteers to philanthropists everyone has a part to play. By coming together to share ideas and innovate, forge new partnerships, develop ambitious plans, and attract new investment, we can all contribute.
Find out about the support on offer and how you can be a part of it.
Resources to inspire your nature transformation
Learn how tried and tested solutions can help transform your town or city. Read case studies of people and places that are delivering exciting change, and benefit from tools and templates developed to help you get started and take your next steps.
Case study Get started with... Guidance - 02-01-2025
Unlock finance for green and blue spaces
Discover ways to build a more diverse funding model for natural spaces in your town or city, to support wellbeing, nature recovery and economic growth.
Funding & finance, Nature recovery - Habitat banking
Case study Get started with... Guidance - 02-01-2025
Put health at the heart of green space
When nature lives nearby, we all feel the benefits. Better access to high-quality, nature-rich green and blue spaces improves health and wellbeing for local communities.
Health & wellbeing, Nature recovery - Green prescribing
Case study Get started with... Guidance - 02-01-2025
Mobilising people power
When nature grows stronger, so do communities. City-wide volunteering schemes are an effective way to bring local authorities and local people together to look after green spaces and natural heritage.
Communities, Heritage, Nature recovery, Volunteering
Date for your diary
Creating Nature Towns and Cities
Online conference, 5 June 2025
This one-day online conference is for people and organisations with ambitions to lead change in towns and cities across the UK, from local government and public sector to voluntary and community organisations.
There will be a mix of keynote sessions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities. It’s free to attend.
