Analysis finds urban areas in England where no one lives within 15-minute walk of nature

"While the data shows 80% of people live within walking distance of green or blue spaces such as a river, park or woodland, it also reveals a disparity between rural and poorer urban areas. In some areas of local authorities, fewer than 20% of residents live close to these spaces, according to data released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Wednesday."

"In one part of Middlesbrough, for example the most deprived local authority in England just 1% of people are within 15 minutes of nature, and in another just 16%. In two parts of Doncaster, no homes are recorded as being within 15 minutes of green or blue space. There are also multiple areas of cities including Bristol and Southampton where no one has access to green space."

"Spending time in nature is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing, and this government is committed to delivering better access to nature for people across the country, no matter where they live. Access to nature still varies hugely between areas and we are working to make sure that this is a guarantee, not a postcode lottery."

Government data shows that while 80% of English residents live within walking distance of green or blue spaces, substantial disparities exist between rural and urban areas. Some urban regions have no residents within a 15-minute walk of nature, with particularly severe deprivation in poorer areas. Middlesbrough, the most deprived local authority, has areas where only 1% of residents meet the 15-minute access standard. Doncaster, Bristol, Southampton, and multiple London boroughs including Harrow and Croydon also show significant access gaps. The government's environmental improvement plan aims to guarantee universal access to green or blue space, addressing this postcode lottery in nature access.

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