Whether it’s in a local park or a National Park, research shows that walking in green space makes us healthier and happier. Millions of us have found comfort in walking and nature since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced.  

 

However, the pandemic has highlighted how unequal access to green space is. Our report last year, ‘The grass isn’t greener for everyone: why access to green space matters’, showed that people on low incomes and those from a BAME background are less likely to have access to their own garden or live within a five-minute walk from green space. 

 

The Environment Bill returns to the House of Commons for its remaining stages and we believe now is the time to be ambitious. We must put people and nature first and create places that make us happier, healthier and more connected. Amending the Environment Bill is a perfect opportunity to do that.  

 

We’re asking you to contact your MP today to ask them to speak out and vote for Amendments 21 and 28 when the Environment Bill is debated in Parliament on Tuesday, 26th January. 

• Amendment 21 would require the Government to set legally-binding, long-term targets to increase public access to, and enjoyment of the natural environment;  

• Amendment 28 means the Government will have to include steps to improve people’s enjoyment of nature in its Environmental Improvement Plans. 

Passing these vital amendments to the Bill would go a long way to meeting our aspiration that nobody lives more than five minutes’ walk from green space.