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Written question asked by Katie White (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 July 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Outdoor Recreation: Health

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Natural England on the potential merits of increasing access to nature in order to benefit physical and mental health.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of providing access to the outdoors for people’s health and wellbeing and is working to ensure this is safe and appropriate. This is why we have set out our ambitious manifesto commitments to create nine new national river walks and three new national forests in England, expanding access to the great outdoors. We have also committed to ensuring that everyone lives within a 15-minute walk of a green or blue space. Delivering this commitment will drive increased access to nature for both physical and mental health.

We work closely with Natural England on delivering enhanced access to nature and hold regular discussions on this topic. For example, we collaborate closely on delivery of the King Charles III England Coast Path, the new Coast to Coast National Trail, and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework. We will continue to work together as we drive forward our commitments in this area.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
64384
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Health Natural England Outdoor recreation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk