Birmingham has been named the UK’s first official Nature City in recognition of its efforts to improve access to green spaces and reconnect communities with the natural environment.
The accolade, awarded by a partnership including Natural England, the National Trust and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrates the city’s commitment to boosting biodiversity and tackling health and climate inequalities through nature.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were also collectively designated as the country’s first official Nature Towns under the same scheme.
Black Redstart is a rare breeding bird found in the Birmingham area (Neil Turney).
Green cities
The Nature Towns and Cities programme aims to help some 100 locations across the UK become greener, healthier places to live and work. Birmingham’s recognition follows a £9-million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to restore the historic Victorian glasshouses at the city’s Botanical Gardens.
Birmingham City Council’s 25-year City of Nature plan sets out a long-term vision to embed nature into the cityscape.
Councillor Majid Mahmood said the council is “leading the way” in urban nature recovery, adding: “We work with groups like Birmingham Tree People to plant trees in inner-city areas, and with local partners to create pocket parks that boost wellbeing, biodiversity and community pride.”
No fewer than 40 other UK towns and cities have also received funding to improve access to nature, including nearly £1 million each for Coventry and Walsall.