More nature needed closer to homes campaigners say

Do you have a park, field or woodland within a short walk of your home?

Not enough of us can say 'yes', say campaigners, as they call for more wildlife-rich green spaces to be created close to where people live.

The Wildlife Trusts say spending time outdoors can boost health and wellbeing, while they also argue green spaces can also help tackle extreme weather, climate change and wildlife loss.

They added that trees, plants, gardens and parks should be seen as an important part of our communities and need to be supported and improved, not just as land to build on.

The Government said it is "focused" on restoring nature so local communities can have "access to green spaces."

The Wildlife Trusts - which is made up of 47 wildlife conservation charities across the UK - want to see the Government make it easier for people to access nature.

The group says more green spaces should be available close to where people live, including in towns and cities.

A group of organisations, led by the Horticultural Trades Association and the Gardens Trust, also wants trees, plants, gardens and parks to receive more funding and investment.

Campaigners say there are already projects in the UK which show how urban areas can be transformed and improved for local communities and wildlife.

In Lancashire, in the north-west of England, a former coal mine has been transformed into a wildlife-rich area with meadows, ponds, trees and hedges.

The site is now home to birds including grey partridges, lapwings and skylarks, as well as butterflies and other wildlife.

Local people have also been involved in the project too, including schoolchildren and volunteers who help look after the site.

Alan Wright from Lancashire Wildlife Trust explained: "We want to engage people in nature and the best way to do it is do things next to where they live."

While in north London, the local community has helped to transform a neglected urban park into a thriving green space for people and nature.

It now has play areas, sports facilities, meadows, woodland, orchard and food growing garden.

David Morris, from the local Friends of Lordship Rec community group, said: "Being in nature has an amazing positive effect, immediate effect. And it helps in terms of attracting people into the green space to enjoy the other facilities.

"But also obviously it's good for wildlife in all its forms."

In response, the Government said it is "focused on the things that matter most to the British public, including restoring nature so that we have pride in local communities and access to green spaces."

It added that it is also delivering nine new National River Walks, including the Mersey Way and a coastal path, which both pass through urban areas.