New report: Green Belts: A greener future
Our new report examines to what extent Green Belts are both fulfilling their purposes and positive land use objectives. We’ve produced a summary document of our findings and ask how this vast national asset might better connect urban centres to the wider countryside and to food production; how it can help us to tackle the huge challenges posed by a changing climate; and how it can be valued as part of a nationwide ecological network providing breathing places for people and for nature long into the future.
> Full report: Green Belts: A greener future (5.1MB PDF)
> Summary: Green Belts: A greener future (1MB PDF)
New surveys for this report show: - The rate of development is at least one third lower than in comparable areas on the edge of towns and cities with no designated Green Belt (sprawl).
- Twice as much (39%) of the Green Belt has maintained its rural character as is neglected (18%) (character).
- 95% of people value the beauty of the Green Belt and 58% have visited for leisure in the past 12 months (leisure).
- Bird and butterfly species are increasing in population more in the Green Belt than in towns and cities which don’t have a Green Belt. (wildlife)
- New nature reserves are the highest priority for the public in terms of things they would like to see in the Green Belt in future. (leisure)
- 80% of the public would prefer to buy food produced in the Green Belt rather than food produced elsewhere (food).
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