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Green Belts

Green Belts
Green Belts give us a place to relax and enjoy the countryside. Photo: Campaign Against Stevenage Expansion

Green Belts keep the city in the city. Green Belt is countryside next to urban areas where there is a risk that the openness will be invaded by urban sprawl. It is specifically designated as Green Belt to:

  • Protect the countryside from urban sprawl
  • Encourage urban regeneration
  • Stop towns from merging into each other
  • Protect the countryside setting of historic towns and cities

Green Belts could do even more. If we protect them, improve their quality and quantity, make it easier for people to visit them and help farmers and landowners to maintain them, Green Belts will bring greater health, social, recreational and quality of life rewards.

Green Belt facts

  • There are 14 separate Green Belts in England. There are Green Belts in every region, but not in every county.
  • Green Belts cover roughly 13% of England, or 1.671 million hectares.
  • The largest Green Belt is the London Green Belt, at about 486,000 hectares. The smallest Green Belt is the Burton-Swadlincote Green Belt at just 700 hectares.
  • The oldest Green Belt is the London Green Belt. It was established in 1938. The newest Green Belt is the Durham Green Belt.

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