Young people told us they want more nature when we asked them and their families for our joint poll with the National Trust.

Just over three-quarters (76%) of children surveyed said they would like to spend more time enjoying nature, with 56% saying they prefer being outdoors.

For children living in Greater London, a very urban area with lots of buildings and fewer green spaces, this was even higher. Nearly a third (32%) of those in the region also told us they don’t have real grass to play on at school, compared to just 8% in the East of England.

Back in January 2023, the Government announced plans to try and change this divide, ensuring that everyone lives within 15 minutes’ walk of a green space or water. It was part of a wider commitment to restore nature and clean up England’s air and water.

Unfortunately, Government data from December 2023 showed that no or very little progress has been made, with 38% of the country living more than a 15-minute walk from a green space or water.