Nature Towns and Cities resources and places
Check out the growing library of resources to help greening our urban spaces. Learn about places and projects that have been awarded grants. In Scotland, this includes Fife and North Lanarkshire.
How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds
This article in The Conversation (15 July 2025) shares study of playgrounds in England which found substantial inequalities in access to play. The author explores international examples of play promotion in urban spaces.
Beyond playgrounds: how less structured city spaces can nurture children’s creativity and independence
This Child in the City article (30 June 2025) compares children’s use of city spaces in Auckland, New Zealand, and Venice, Italy. The findings present a paradox: playgrounds built for safety can stifle creativity and mobility, while self-organising open spaces offer rich opportunities to explore and belong. The authors argue [...]
Give children the freedom to play on the streets
Child and the City share this article (10 June 2025) Children need the freedom to play on driveways and streets again – here’s how to make it happen
Nature Towns & Cities conference online 5 June 2025
This free online conference is for local government, public sector, voluntary and community leaders working together for greener, thriving and more prosperous UK towns and cities. Find more information see Creating Nature Towns and Cities and book your free ticket.
Study on the quality of children’s experiences with nature
This study presented in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening has been shared by Natural England Green connections: Children's experiences with nature and perceived psychological well-being in Beijing, China ( J Liu and RJ Green). Three types of opportunities for experiences with nature were identified. Nine types of ways children engage with [...]
The power of the dandelion
This article in the Conversation (30 April 2025) describes How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities. Read on to discover why we should welcome this ‘king of the urban jungle’.
Designing Climate-Resilient Outdoor Spaces with Nature-Based Solutions
The Children & Nature Network have shared this National League of Cites (USA) article. This describes initiatives to support cities to design climate-resilient outdoor spaces and incorporating nature-based programming to mitigate urban heat, enhance biodiversity and strengthen community resilience. This includes opportunities to support nature play for children.
