The Breathing Places Campaign (2005-09) aims to inspire a million people, currently not active in the environment sector, to get involved and transform or create tens of thousands of wildlife friendly greenspaces across the UK.
The Campaign also aims to heighten public awareness and understanding of the value of nature and increase the diversity of participation in nature conservation.
Natural England is working with the BBC and many other partner organisations to achieve these aims.
As part of the Campaign, Natural England and the BBC have created a new website where you can look up all Breathing Places and related events across the country - Find breathing places near you.
The Nature of Britain
Have you been watching the BBC1 series "The Nature of Britain"? Find out more about the Natural England sites featured:
- Yarner Wood (featured in Farmland Britain);
- Fenn's, Whixell and Bettisfield Mosses NNR and Stodmarsh (Freshwater Britain);
- Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe and Teesmouth (Coastal Britain);
- Fryent Country Park (Woodland Britain);
- Moorhouse and Upper Teesdale NNR and Roudsea Woods and Mosses (Wilderness Britain).
Access to Nature
In an exciting new partnership, Natural England and the Big Lottery Fund have announced a brand new £25 million pound grant scheme to help people get in touch with and enjoy their natural environment.
The Access to Nature initiative will provide grants of up to £500,000 to create "nature havens" across the country. The scheme will particularly target city dwellers who have little contact with the countryside. Read more on how you can make a difference to your community.
Green prescription
There are already many places you can go to enjoy the natural environment - so if you don't have your own garden or you're just interested in getting out more anyway try following our green prescription. It will help you find greenspace and opportunities to go walking near you - including details of how to join local walking groups. Did you know that there's growing evidence that being active in the natural environment improves your health and helps you feel more energetic and less stressed?
July 2007 saw the UK's leading wildlife and horticultural organisations joining Natural England in signing a wildlife gardening manifesto to save the nation's gardens, particularly those in towns and cities. It highlights the importance of gardens, both for wildlife and for peoples’ health and wellbeing. If you want to make your garden more welcoming to wildlife Natural England has produced a range of gardening leaflets giving advice on wildlife friendly gardening.