Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has expressed strong support for the newly unveiled Nottingham City Vision 2050, a long-term strategy outlining the city's growth and transformation over the next quarter-century. Following the public launch last week, the charity's chief executive, Paul Wilkinson, highlighted the vision's emphasis on nature as a central theme.
Nature as a Key Thread
Wilkinson stated, “Seeing nature as a key thread running through the vision is exciting and presents a wealth of opportunities.” He pointed to the aspiration that Nottingham will become a city ‘defined by thriving green spaces, rivers, canals, natural habitats and green corridors’ and the creation of a ‘Green Grid’ of active travel routes centred on the Green Heart. The trust is particularly keen to help shape and deliver a network of new natural greenspaces inspired by and linked to the Green Heart.
£4 Million Plan for Old Market Square
The charity also welcomed the announcement of a £4 million plan to transform the Old Market Square with new greenspace. Wilkinson recalled the trust’s 2020 ‘Broad Marsh Re-imagined’ campaign, which advocated for a nature-first approach to redevelopment. “We believed that embracing a nature-first approach could help put the city on the map after a challenging few years, enhance lives, and secure investment,” he said.
Overcoming Scepticism
Despite public backing for natural greenspace at Broad Marsh, there was considerable pushback. However, Wilkinson noted, “Seeing how the City Council and partner organisations have embraced the concept that nature has a part to play gives great hope that Nottingham can become a national exemplar of urban nature.”
Health, Happiness, and Climate Resilience
The trust, which has championed urban wildlife for over 40 years, is excited that the vision recognises natural greenspaces as vital to cultural identity, health, and happiness. It applauds Nottingham City Council’s leadership and ambition in committing to the Green Heart and a nature-first vision for the wider Broad Marsh redevelopment. The vision acknowledges public desire for more greenspace and outlines how nature can mitigate climate change challenges like extreme weather while underpinning economic success.
A Shared Vision
Wilkinson concluded, “In launching the new vision, Nottingham City Council has made clear that to succeed, it must become a shared vision. Partner organisations, businesses, and communities must all play their part. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is proud to have highlighted the potential of a nature-led approach and is committed to turning the vision into reality.”
