National Parks and Local Green Spaces

From the Cheviot in Northumberland to the South Downs nearly ten per cent of England lies within one of the National Parks, which are said to be 'Britain's breathing spaces.' Everywhere needs a breathing space. In London suburbs a local nature reserve, a community garden or a reclaimed fly-tipping site cannot compete with the Lake District in scale and majesty. But they play an important part in conserving nature and inspiring a love of places - not only the national icons but the places we see and live in every day. These ideas are given expression in many ways, not least in the campaign to make London a National Park City - a city rich with wildlife, green spaces and clean air.

Local green space is as precious as the breathtaking landscape of National Parks

National Parks made the news headlines this Christmas after it was announced they 'have lost millions in government funding'. Recent concern over the planned loss of the view from King Henry's Mound to St Paul's 'against blue sky' reminds us of the need for continuing vigilance. We believe that our local environments are important - nature and heritage are central to our mental and physical wellbeing and are the legacy we leave our children - and we must cherish them. Join the frontline in The Fight For Beauty – public talk with former National Trust Director-General, Dame Fiona Reynolds and National Geographic Explorer, Daniel Raven-Ellison. Chaired by Rowan Conway, the RSA. 7.30pm, Thursday, 26th January. Book online at environmenttrust.co.uk/whats-on