Connecting with nature in London

Connecting with nature helps Londoners to live healthier and happier lives. In our 2022 Talk London survey, 72% of the 1,400+ members who took part said they appreciate the benefits of spending time in nature on their mental health. 62% of Londoners in our survey also appreciated the benefits of nature on their physical health. 

However, only one in five Londoners have gardens and many Londoners do not have green spaces like parks, woodland or wetlands nearby. Londoners’ access to green spaces falls below the minimum standard Green Index Score.  

Alongside green spaces, many Londoners enjoy spending time by London’s waterways. Yet London’s waterways are much less healthy than they should be. Our rivers are failing to reach national benchmarks, with only one in London’s 41 river bodies classed as good. Key species of waterfowl and fish are struggling to survive in London’s waters.

City Hall’s Environment team wants every Londoner to feel the benefits of connecting with nature. 

The Mayor has committed to making rivers clean and healthy by 2034. He is working with partners to develop a 10-year plan to ensure our rivers are vibrant habitats for nature and that Londoners have more opportunities to enjoy them recreationally.

The Mayor is also developing a Green Roots programme to provide support for Londoners to improve their local green spaces.  

City Hall’s Environment team wants to hear from Londoners to help them shape these programmes.

Get involved and tell us: 

• How connected do you feel to nature in London?  
• What outdoor activities do you want to do more of in London? 
• What would help you feel more confident  taking action to protect London’s natural spaces? 

Along with our Talk London survey, the team are running engagement with the London Wildlife Trust to hear from young people on this issue.  

The team are also hosting a roundtable on clean and healthy rivers with a range of organisations. Your views will be reflected in this roundtable.

Tia from City Hall’s Environment team will be reading your comments in our survey and discussion.

The Environment team works towards supporting a fairer, greener London for everyone. 

Their work ensures that: 

• Londoners can enjoy green and wild spaces across the capital  
• London is resilient to extreme weather and the impacts of climate change 
• London is net zero-carbon by 2030.