Plymouth becomes an official Nature City

Plymouth has been awarded Nature City status in recognition of its pioneering work and ambitious plans for urban nature.

The Nature City award recognises local partnerships that put nature and green infrastructure at the heart of their city or town plans, to transform life for urban communities through providing more and better nature and green space, especially in areas facing greatest inequality.

The new accreditation scheme is run by a partnership between Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. An Independent Panel judges the awards, with Plymouth becoming the third place in the UK to receive the designation.

It follows on from last week’s launch of the Plymouth Plan for Nature and People, a blueprint for how we manage our natural spaces and aim to ensure every resident can benefit from connecting with the outdoors.

In assessing Plymouth’s application, judges were impressed with the scale of ambition and the strong partnership working that takes place between the Council, communities and local and national organisations, all for the benefit of local people, places and nature.

They also noted elements of the Plan for Nature and People, acknowledging a cross-sector approach, a good breadth of priorities and evidence of broad public engagement and focus groups.

This award will help the Council and its partners better access future investment opportunities at national level, ensuring the city’s blue and green spaces remain well used and well maintained for years to come.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “This designation is an honour for our city and reflects a real journey for the Council.

“In the last few years, we’ve worked tirelessly with our communities and partners to build momentum among our nature projects. Whether it’s Green Communities, the Community Forest or the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, we have made sure that communities have been at forefront of our decision making.

“The Plan for Nature and People has been the final piece of the jigsaw and I’m delighted with this official recognition of Plymouth’s ambition and potential.”

Victoria Bradford-Keegan, Programme Director for Nature Towns and Cities, said: “Nature helps us to improve our health and wellbeing, mitigates the impacts of climate change in urban neighbourhoods and drives green growth, making better places for people to live, work and invest.

We’re delighted to award Plymouth official Nature City status. Our independent panel were impressed with how the council are involving communities in this work, particularly young people, as well as their innovative funding strategy.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Plymouth City Council and their partners, as they deliver their Plan for People and Nature, transforming the city for residents, businesses and visitors.”