The National Park
City Foundation (NPCF) has confirmed London as the world’s first National Park
City at a City Hall Summit hosted by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Organisations and
individuals have signed a London National Park City Charter demonstrating their
support for making the city greener, healthier and wilder.
The National Park
City Foundation, in partnership with World Urban Parks and Salzburg Global
Seminar, has published the first International Charter for National Park Cities
in response to various leaders in cities around the world, setting out a vision
for how other cities in the UK and worldwide can follow London’s lead.
London’s new status
comes during a week-long National Park City Festival of free celebratory
events, helping people enjoy and engage with the great outdoors in London.
Organised in partnership with the Mayor of London, more than 300 events are
being run by organisations, community groups and businesses across the capital.
A crowdfunded
National Park City ‘Maker’ newspaper is also being distributed showing how
people, communities, business and others can be involved in making London
National Park City a reality. Designers, Urban Good, will also publish a
National Park City map for getting outside in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Daniel
Raven-Ellison, who started the campaign to make London a National Park City six
years ago, said: “London becoming a
National Park City is something for us all to be proud of. Inspired by the aims
and values of our precious rural national parks, the London National Park City
is fundamentally about making life better in the capital through both small everyday
things and long-term strategic thinking.
“We’ve been doing
that in London for centuries, which is why London is so green and diverse, and
why we can make it a National Park City today. It’s about lifting our
ambitions; going further to make the city greener, healthier and wilder;
improving our mental health; cleaning our air; making the city richer in
wildlife; freeing children to play and meet friends outdoors again; tackling
the climate crisis and bringing more joy
to the city.
“Everybody can
benefit and contribute everyday by starting to think of the place they live as
part of the National Park City and doing simple things like making a balcony or
garden better for nature, walking more or going kayaking on the Thames.”
Jayne Miller, Chair
of World Urban Parks, said: “London, the First National Park City! What an
amazing moment for the London. Celebrating, honouring and recognising the
biodiversity and greenness of this great city. The lifeblood of a city is its
people and their connection to the place we inhabit, our great earth and all of
its natural riches. London is challenging cities around the world to venerate,
protect and increase the green spaces in our cities. Let’s all get out and
enjoy the great outdoors!”
Other cities are now looking at following suit. Glasgow is already setting out proposals and this week campaigners in
Newcastle have launched their campaign for the city to be the UK’s next
National Park City.
James Cross, chief
executive of Newcastle Parks and Allotments Trust, an independent charity
responsible for the management and upkeep of the city’s 33 parks and
64 allotment sites, said: “Becoming a National Park City signals our
commitment to make life better for people, wildlife and nature. I want our
campaign to be a beacon that inspires communities in Newcastle and the wider
region to value, cherish and celebrate our amazing parks, allotments
and green spaces. That in doing so we feel happier, healthier and more
fulfilled; that the places people care about are more vibrant and beautiful;
and that people, nature and the local economy thrive.
“Over the summer
we’re asking members of the public, businesses and community groups for their
thoughts on what our shared ambition should be. How do we express
our commitment to preserve our natural environment and how can we
collectively make Newcastle a greener and healthier city?”
