Falcons and foxes make us a National Park City

NEXT week something historic is happening. London will become the world’s first National Park City.

For many people the idea will sound bizarre, especially if you are used to visiting the UK’s beautiful and important National Parks. But while the thinking is new, it’s not bizarre to think of some of our metropolises as National Park Cities. It’s actually bizarre not to.

Around the world — from deserts to rainforests and glaciers to moorlands — there are national parks that represent every major kind of recognisable landscape and habitat apart from one, the world’s fastest-growing habitat: cities. I started the campaign to make London a National Park City six years ago because I don’t think this makes sense. Here are three reasons why.

Firstly, urban life is not worth less than rural life. London’s red foxes and peregrine falcons are just as awesome as those in the Peak District — and, as it happens, there are more peregrines in London.

Secondly, urban landscapes can be great to enjoy. I’m an explorer and love trekking in deserts and through forests but I absolutely love exploring London too. Not just for its rivers, hills and woodlands but for its buildings, villages and cultures. The 126km Capital Ring Walk is a glorious way to see this.

Thirdly, people in cities have more power than we might think. In London there are nine million of us who have the power to act to protect nature. Doing so can be as simple as letting a balcony, garden or street become a little more wild.

More generally, if we are to tackle the climate, ecological, environmental and mental health crises, we must have a better relationship with nature. We have the power to use our leadership, voting and daily consumption choices to make life better.

Many people in the UK are aware of the US National Park Service, which has a very top-down approach. They may also know the UK’s national parks, which are managed by partnerships of authorities, organisations and landowners. Fewer are aware of national parks around the world that are managed by the indigenous people who look after the landscapes themselves.

London National Park City, which will be inaugurated on Monday, will be a c o mbi n a t i o n o f a l l three of these approaches. Everyone in the capital can share their wisdom, knowledge and skills to make our city greener, healthier and wilder. That might mean being inspired to make your part of it better for people and nature.

For starters, why not get involved with the National Park City Festival next week? Organised in partnership with the Mayor of London, more than 300 outdoor events are taking place across the city for people to enjoy getting to know London’s natural treasures and outdoor life.

⬤ Daniel Raven-Ellison is founder of London National Park City and a campaigner