Natural England

Natural England today (Thursday 3 April) challenged government, planners and housing developers to set an example of 21st century green living to the rest of world when designing England’s eco-towns.

Responding to today’s announcement of a consultation on the possible locations for eco-towns, Natural England warned that green infrastructure must be at the heart of all new developments, if they are to win public support and present themselves as truly sustainable. They must also be carefully designed to avoid damaging important and sensitive sites and habitats in the surrounding countryside.

Green infrastructure means a network of green spaces that bring the natural world into every new neighbourhood – benefiting people’s health, supporting local wildlife and helping to combat flooding.

Sir Martin Doughty, Natural England’s Chair, explained: “The choice is stark: either we provide new developments with parks, nature reserves and informal green spaces that can work together to create places that are attractive and support healthy communities or we have carbon-neutral battery farms for people.

“The eco-town initiative provides a once in a generation opportunity to redefine green living in this country. Crucially green infrastructure must be put at the heart of all new development. It’s the vital environmental life support system that every new community needs and deserves.

“Developers would never contemplate leaving out grey infrastructure, such as sewers and mains water, from developments , so why should it be acceptable to leave out green infrastructure when it’s proven to improve people’s health and quality of life, reduce flooding, moderate temperature extremes, and provide places for wildlife to flourish?”

Natural England welcomes the ‘eco town’ initiative and will work with government, planners and developers to help achieve the highest environmental standards and create places where visionary architecture and first rate environmental land management come together, improving the lives of people and nature.

For interviews and photographs please contact the Natural England press office 0845 603 9953, out of hours 07970 098005 or email: press@naturalengland.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.