Date published: 2026-03-25 | Category: Climate Emergency, Delivering for local residents, Ecological Emergency Action Plan, Preparing for the Future
Plans to make places across Bath & North East Somerset greener, help tackle the climate and nature emergency and make it healthier for people, have been set out.
The council has published two plans setting out a clear and co-ordinated programme to deliver high-quality, inclusive green infrastructure – parks, rivers, woodlands, natural habitats and public spaces.
They are the Greener Places Plan 2025–2035 and the accompanying five‑year Greener Places Investment & Delivery Plan. They will help guide partners, developers, local town and parish councils and community organisations.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “We are working with partners across the region to deliver urban greening and nature-based solutions in both our urban and rural areas. This will create greener neighbourhoods, improve access to open space, restore nature and help communities adapt to climate change.”
The plan also introduces the Nature Towns and Cities accreditation, a national scheme led by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, placing nature at the heart of future growth – working with urban communities to create accessible greenspaces, streets and neighbourhoods that are good for wildlife, people and are climate resilient.
Councillor Oli Henman, Project Lead for Climate Change, added: “Accessible greenspaces are vital for healthy, active communities and our research demonstrates that every £1 invested in green infrastructure delivers £4 of benefits. We are investing in our Parks and Open Spaces programmes to improve access and quality for all and supporting opportunities for food growing and nature-positive management that benefits people’s wellbeing and the environment.”
The council will work closely with regional partners including the West of England Combined Authority and partner local authorities, West of England Nature Partnership, Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Natural England, Avon Wildlife Trust, Wessex Water and community organisations.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Environmental investment brings an economic return as well as a social one, and the West is proudly backing nature – embedding it into our Growth Strategy as we invest in greener, healthier places across our region for everyone to enjoy. Greener places in Bath & North East Somerset, and around the West, will bring real benefits for local communities and wildlife for years to come.”
Funding for the programme’s projects will be drawn from a blend of government programmes, partnerships, developer contributions, National Lottery Heritage Fund and emerging environmental finance mechanisms.
More information can be found on the council website.
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