5-10 MINUTE READS

Get Up To Speed

Camden And Islington – “Barriers To Accessing Green Space And What We Are Doing To Change This” ➝

A useful overview – by Tamsin Fisher and Daniela Taylor from Future Parks – of the challenges facing access to green space and the need for investment. A quick read with useful links to relevant detail if you’re keen to learn more.

Parks Are For Everyone 

An article by the New Economics Foundation that considers the importance of green space for wellbeing, amidst concerns around dropping visitor numbers to parks in poorer areas. Useful as an overview examining reduced park visitation numbers during lockdown and how socio-economic circumstances impact this. 

The 20-Minute Neighbourhood ➝

This guide by the Town and Country Planning Association provides a practical overview of how a local planning initiative – to create places in which most daily needs can be met within a short walk or cycle – can be introduced in the context of the English planning system.

Parks And Green Spaces – Does Everyone Feel Welcome? ➝

The Future of London network has published a set of resources shaped by their 2020 roundtable on green spaces and inclusivity. This summary is worth exploring as an introduction to the key debates and conversations surrounding this subject.

10-30 MINUTE READS

Dive Deeper

Levelling Up And Building Back Better Through Urban Green Infrastructure: An Investment Options Appraisal  

Commissioned by the National Trust on behalf of partners of the Future Parks Accelerator programme, this report explores three distinct approaches to improving urban green infrastructure. An informed insight into potential comparative ROI, with helpful examples.

How Has Lockdown Changed Our Relationship With Nature ➝

Unsurprisingly (but helpfully) packed with useful data, this 2021 article by the Office for National Statistics provides a balanced consideration of the impact of the pandemic on people’s appreciation of nature.

The People And Nature Survey ➝

An evidence and data-led demonstration of people’s enjoyment, access and understanding of the natural environment and its relationship to wellbeing, brought together by Natural England. A useful resource for anyone pulling together a project or case for support. 

England’s Green Space Gap: How To End Green Space Deprivation In England 

An in-depth examination by Friends of the Earth that considers the availability of green space in England and its correlation to ethnicity and income levels. Hard-hitting data is woven throughout, but its greatest strength lies in its clear recommendations.

An illustrated style image of a green park with trees and a gazebo. In the foreground, a man holding books and a woman with a backpack walk together. Behind them, a person rides a green bike with a basket along the path.

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