A healthy natural environment is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing - from the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to spaces to keep us physically and socially active. As well as these tangible benefits, we now know that our relationship with nature and how connected we feel to nature really matters too. Not only does this connectedness support our wellbeing, but it also means that we are more likely to give back and protect the environment that keeps us healthy. This means that everyone needs access to nature rich greenspace near their homes and the opportunity to take part in nature-based activities such as gardening, conservation volunteering, or just going for a walk.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to benefit from nature’s gifts. Those that consistently miss out include people living in more disadvantaged areas, people on low incomes, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and older people.
OLNP is championing better opportunities to connect with nature for all, both within our focused ‘people and nature’ work and in a way that is integrated with our other areas of work, including nature finance.
To promote integration of nature-based activities into traditional care/support models (including through green social prescribing) and to prioritise wellbeing and equity of access within nature recovery projects and programmes.
To promote an approach to nature recovery that values and celebrates diversity and inclusion.
For the greatest long-term environmental, social, and financial sustainability gains.
To support everyday encounters with nature and tackle environmental challenges like flooding, air pollution and urban heat.
Our working groups are made up of experts in their fields who help to deliver our objectives.
The nature and health working group bring together research and evidence to improve green infrastructure in Oxfordshire and to promote access to nature for all.
Sign up to the People & Nature SubgroupThis research by Mattia Troiano looks at how fair access to parks and green spaces in Oxford is influenced by income and community backgrounds. It finds that poorer communities often struggle to have their voices heard in decisions about these spaces, making it harder for them to shape their local environment. Even when efforts are made to include them, a lack of trust and practical barriers can stop them from taking part. Without recognizing these challenges, attempts to improve access and involvement in planning may not work as intended and could even make inequalities worse.
.png)