Helping all children, wherever they live, to enjoy the benefits of a thriving natural environment, is at the heart of Natural England’s (NE) vision for the next five years, published today (Wednesday, October 7).
‘Building Partnerships for Nature’s Recovery’ sets out Natural England’s ambitious blueprint for a more resilient and more accessible natural environment by 2025 and highlights NE’s commitment to helping all enjoy the benefits of our precious natural environment where they live.
Recent NE surveys have found approximately one-third of parents wish their children could spend more time outside in nature to support their physical and mental health.
The report also found a striking 20% point difference in the time children from the most affluent areas spend outside every week compared with those from more deprived areas.
‘Digital launch event’
NE’s chief executive Marian Spain will use the plan’s digital launch event, which can be live streamed via NE’s YouTube channel for all to access, to highlight the important role of partnerships in achieving these ambitions and will invite a range of stakeholders to work with NE.
This will help to ensure our natural environment is protected and can be enjoyed by everyone, including landscapes being restored to provide places of natural beauty, iconic species such as beavers and sea eagles being reintroduced to our rivers, and coasts and new development incorporating greenspaces, trees and ponds.
NE CEO Marian Spain said:
The coronavirus pandemic has made us all more aware of how essential access to a thriving natural environment is for our health and well-being.
“However, it has also revealed shocking inequalities in who in our society can access nature.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, NE is committed to taking action now which will revive our natural world and make it part of our daily lives.
“Restoring nature is a win win win: More wildlife, solutions to climate change and a healthier and more prosperous society.”
