In place of sparsely planted parks dominated by run-down concrete playgrounds, we want to see thriving wildlife, abundant habitats and natural play and picnic areas. Bleak, cracking river paths can be transformed into avenues of blossoming trees with thriving reedbeds, fish, insects and birds. These enhanced natural spaces will provide natural flood, climate-change and pollution defences, and homes for wildlife, alongside being great places to walk, cycle and socialise.
All natural spaces in communities should be well-designed and varied, to help people and wildlife to thrive side-by-side. Strict standards will be needed on the quality and quantity of nature expected in these spaces, which our campaign aims to secure.
In addition to being well-managed to enhance wildlife, these spaces should optimise exercise, play and relaxation and deliver climate and flood protection and urban cooling.