New research by More in Common shows Britons care deeply for nature and their green spaces, and that politicians may be missing a political opportunity in not more actively investing in improving the parks and green spaces Britons love so much.
This research, based on a survey of over 3,000 Britons and focus group conversations in the likely key electoral battlegrounds of the next General Election, finds that a national mission to restore and improve the quality of Britain’s parks and green spaces could play an important role in increasing confidence in the government’s ability to improve Britons’ lives and communities - the collapse of which is driving Labour’s drop in support.
The British public increasingly feel as though this government will not deliver for them. This loss of faith is driving voters away…
But this research shows that improving and maintaining quality green space is a key way for the government to show Britons it can deliver improvements to their lives and communities. When asked for their favourite thing or biggest source of pride about where they live, Britons overwhelmingly say the green space, parks and nature.
“So I personally don't drive so I quite like having it [green space] on my doorstep and because I work from home as well… that gets me out and about so you can get a bit of fresh air when, I call it cabin fever, when you're working from home all the time”.
Jonny, works in IT and lives in Wakefield
“Protecting nature” is not just an excuse for “NIMBYs” to block new development in their area. Britons intuitively appreciate the benefits of having green spaces and natural wildlife around them - to physical and mental health, to sustainability, and to a sense of community. New homes which lack opportunities for their residents to access nature are seen to be squalid, lifeless and the source of various social ills that people can notice in their area. That existing residents might have to lose access to wildlife and their own green spaces to make way for these developments is seen as a kick in the teeth.
From the government’s perspective, their housebuilding targets can still be achieved in a manner which is far less divisive if they are willing to lend an ear to these concerns. Developing with care is not a novel idea for Britons - in focus groups, they spoke about what developments from twenty years ago had which current ones do not - and the government would do well to hear their concerns if it wants its planning and infrastructure agenda to be successful.
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