Nearly half of constituencies ‘missing nature access targets’

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Research shows that 44% of constituencies in England have at least 20% of homes lacking access to natural green or blue spaces within a 15-minute walk, with the worst access found in economically deprived areas. This finding has prompted conservation groups to call for urgent government action to treat nature as essential infrastructure and accelerate efforts to improve access, amid ongoing debates about the pace and scope of environmental policies.

Nearly half of constituencies in England are falling short of a government target aimed at ensuring all properties are within a 15-minute walk of green or blue spaces, according to recent research. The analysis, conducted by the Wildlife Trusts and Liberals and Democrats for Nature and Climate, found that in 238 constituencies—representing 44% of the total—at least 20% of homes lack close access to natural areas such as parks, rivers, canals, or coastal waters. The report also highlights that seven of the ten most economically deprived constituencies suffer from particularly low access to these spaces.

This research comes as campaigners submit a green paper to government ministers, urging action to accelerate the Labour party’s manifesto commitment to improving access to nature and supporting biodiversity. The Wildlife Trusts stressed the increasing urgency of enhancing natural spaces, especially in light of a hot spring and summer in England that underscored the need for more cool, shaded, and nature-rich environments.

Matthew Browne, head of public affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, drew parallels between the current situation and the challenges faced in Victorian Britain. He noted that just as poor air and water quality in the 19th century prompted a wave of public park creation, today’s environmental and public health concerns call for similarly urgent and decisive interventions. Browne urged the government to make better use of existing laws to enable quicker improvements in access to nature at the community level.

The Wildlife Trusts further recommends that nature be treated as critical infrastructure. They propose increased funding for the upkeep of natural spaces, the introduction of a community right to purchase land for green access, and expanded powers for local authorities to buy land compulsorily. The group also suggests that developers should be obligated to construct housing estates that are climate- and nature-friendly.

While ministers have pledged to enhance access to nature, the government is yet to publish a formal green paper on the issue. A government spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts, emphasizing initiatives such as the creation of nine new National River Walks, the establishment of a coast-to-coast route in northern England, and the development of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path. The spokesperson affirmed the government's focus on restoring nature to foster community pride and increase green space availability.

The differing perspectives underscore an ongoing debate over how best to address gaps in nature access, particularly in deprived areas, and the scale and speed of government action needed to meet its environmental and public health goals.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.