New research covered in a recent report highlights stark inequalities across England regarding access to nature-rich places and the health, wellbeing, and economic benefits they provide. The study found that if you live in the poorest areas, you likely have less or no access to nature, and this is set to worsen due to government policy changes.
Research Findings on Green Space Inequality
Professor Kathy Willis, responding to the research, noted that her own study examined changes to green spaces from 2020 to 2025 in the most and least deprived areas of six cities. Shockingly, no example was found where the poorest places gained as much or more accessible green space than the wealthiest. In fact, in Leicester and Leeds, the wealthiest two deciles gained 10% more green space than the poorest two during this period.
Impact on Children and Communities
Stripping away access to nature-rich green spaces further will risk the health of 1.4 million children. Professor Willis emphasized that this cannot be the government's intention: to reduce health-giving and pride-in-place-boosting nature in areas that need it most.
Call for Enforceable Planning Laws
Instead of unenforceable guidance, Professor Willis calls for planning laws that bring nature back to where the need and economic impact are greatest. She urges policymakers to prioritize green space in deprived areas to address inequality and improve public health.
