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.

Two men cycle along a pathway in a park on a cloudy day. They're wrapped up safely in fluorescent jackets and helmets. White cartoon ladybirds make their way along the bottom left of the image, whilst a yellow cartoon snail slithers up the leg of a green bench in the bottom right foreground.

©National Trust Images / Paul Harris

Nature Towns and Cities is a coalition of public, private and third sector organisations, 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 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 enjoy better access to green and blue space close to home, and 1 million more children to be able to play in nature on their doorstep.

This includes all kinds of urban nature, and green and blue space that is freely available to the public. For example street trees, community growing spaces, urban woods, historic public parks, river and canal-sides and recreation grounds.

Be a part of it

A luscious garden with lots of foliage and flowers, with a person leaning through the plants, gardening

Over the next decade, we're aiming to work with 100 towns and cities across the UK, supporting them to transform their urban landscapes for people and nature.

See which towns and cities have received grants to get started, and which places have become official Nature Towns and Nature Cities, demonstrating their commitment to put nature at the heart of a greener, thriving future.

Learn more

Two people walking along a grassy path in a park surrounded by trees.

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

By cooling streets, cleaning the air or 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.

Whether you’re from local government or business, public health or planning, a volunteer or a philanthropist, 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 participate.

About Nature Towns and Cities

Schoolchildren working in a garden with spades on a vegetable patch.

Resources to inspire your nature transformation

Take a look at the newest additions to our resources library. From tried and tested ways to transform your town or city, to inspiring case studies from people and places delivering change.

Explore all resources

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Case study