National park cities

Many of our cities have more biodiversity than our rural areas. They are also where most people live and experience (or don't experience) nature day to day., and where it's easy for them to access nature on foot or by bike or bus from their home.
We should invite Scotland's now 8 cities to apply for national park city status (or City of Nature status if you prefer) setting out for example:
their current biodiversity strategy (linked to COP15 and the Edinburgh process)
how they can rewild their existing green space (stop spraying, cut grass less if at all, allow natural regeneration and plant more trees, encourage nature-friendly gardening etc) and blue space/coastline
how they plan to make more space for nature including using biodiversity net gain as a tool to enhance biodiversity in the city itself
how they will promote access to nature to residents and visitors
what distinctive species their city is home to, and which new species they hope to attract

Why the contribution is important

because people need to experience and value nature where they live too

by peteritchie on May 23, 2022 at 03:57PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.5
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by clarktoby May 24, 2022 at 07:13

    Let’s reimagine our national parks as we set a course for a creative and inclusive future.

  • Posted by Glenmoy May 24, 2022 at 18:24

    Good suggestion and I believe it would promote biodiversity appreciation among the wider public.

  • Posted by camusfearna May 31, 2022 at 12:30

    An interesting idea. Of course, most/all off the listed points can be achieved under existing arrangements (biodiversity duty, planning policies, recreation plans and so on) without the need to designate a city as a national park or a city of nature. It could be another 'badge' for a city and would be managed by the local authority (thus no need for a separate/additional national park or a city of nature governance body) but detailed consideration would be required whether such a badge would signal priority over other essential roles for cities in terms of providing education, employment, commerce, supporting visitors, tourism, economic development etc.
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