Did you know more than 20% of Nottingham is green space?

Why it matters

Biodiversity loss and climate change are closely related. As weather and our seasons have become less predictable in a short period of time, wildlife are struggling to adapt. Loss of habitats caused by human activities can also increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, such as when an area is deforested the carbon captured by the trees is released.  

More than 20% of Nottingham is green space and these natural areas provide habitats for wildlife as well as health and wellbeing benefits to humans. Green spaces can also help us be more resilient to climate change by bringing benefits such as helping to reduce flooding and trees also provide street shading to keep us cool during hot weather.

What we’re doing 

We are implementing a Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document and protection in the Local Plan – including the establishment of green roofs and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. We are protecting and enhancing Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and Local Wildlife Sites. We carry out tree planting and bee-friendly planting schemes across the city. 

The newly opened Green Heart green space on the site of the old Broad Marsh shopping centre is a place to enjoy nature with 38 trees, 34 of them newly planted, plus areas of colourful planting, a new marsh pond area, two rain garden areas and several footpaths and places to sit. 

A diverse range of trees have been planted from different species, to help make sure that as many of the trees as possible can cope with and survive potential disease or extreme weather. Varieties including acers, and nyssa slyvatica will add beautiful autumn colour while other varieties that can cope better with the wet conditions around the marsh such as salix and alnus glutinosa have been added.

What can you do? 

🌼 Get growing

In the garden, in pots on the windowsill or in a local community garden, grow some native pollinator (insect, bird, or mammal) friendly plants to give nature a boost.

🦔 Build a wildlife hotel 

Bugs, hedgehogs, frogs, toads and reptiles will all appreciate a cosy place to stop over or make a home in your garden. The RSPB have guides on how to make your own. Visit their website: Wildlife Garden Activities | Nature on your Doorstep (rspb.org.uk).

🍃 Be a lazy gardener

Let those unused corners of your garden grow a bit wild, giving native plants a chance to grow and wildlife a chance to move in. Close mown lawns have very little value to wildlife, so why not try leaving it for No Mow May and see what happens.

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 Join in

Join other people passionate about nature and make friends by helping at a local conservation or gardening group.

🥾 Visit and enjoy nature

Visiting and supporting local nature attractions helps prove they are valued by our communities and has loads of benefits to your mental and physical wellbeing too. You can find inspiration for local walks on the council website: Walking in Nottingham and Parks - Nottingham City Council.