Green Belts

In July and August 2009, Natural England conducted 1754 interviews including questions regarding Green Belt land in England, covering the following aspects of Green Belts: awareness and attitudes; perceived importance; usage and future use. The results were used to enhance CPRE's own surveys to provide reliable data to monitor levels of engagement with the Green Belt over time by measuring number of visits, activities undertaken, distance travelled, and the profile of visitor.

With the focus on action, this leaflet explains the huge potential that Green Belts have and why there is a need to protect them. It offers the opportunity to get involved and make a difference by telling us why Green Belt is so important. These messages will be sent to the Government in an endeavour to highlight the public’s support for Green Belts.

This landmark report brings together, for the first time, information on the state of Green Belt land and compares this to other areas of England. We provide evidence that the 1.6 million hectares of Green Belt provide a rich and varied natural environment and many related benefits to society. The ecosystem services provided by Green Belt land are highly significant and have an economic value that is often underestimated or simply not understood. We conclude that these areas could take on an even greater significance in the face of climate change, England’s growing population and the need for a low carbon economy. They can also help in creating a healthier society through providing space for active outdoor lifestyles and nutritious locally grown food.

In this summary of the full report we draw together the main findings and ask how Green Belts might better connect urban centres to the wider countryside and to food production; how they can help us to tackle the huge challenges posed by a changing climate; and how they can be valued as part of a nationwide ecological network providing breathing places for people and for nature long into the future.

Our response to the Department of the Environment’s draft revised Planning Policy Guidance 2. Note this was published in May 1994 not 1995.