Even with our world-class parks aside, Londoners need more green space – here’s our plan to change it, writes Hilary McGrady in today’s Notebook

When you think of the National Trust, you might think of country estates, woodland walks and cream teas. You probably don’t think of The Big Smoke, or towns and cities in general.

But ever since our founder, Octavia Hill, campaigned to save Hampstead Heath and Hilly Fields from development, the Trust has long been connected to our towns and cities. And thanks to a new partnership, we’re rediscovering those urban roots. 

Last night, in Westminster, we celebrated the launch of Nature Towns and Cities, a mission to bring more green into the UK’s urban centres. It’s a partnership between the National Trust, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural England and it’s centred on the ethos that everyone, everywhere should have easy and local access to nature.

We’ve already invested £15.5m of Lottery money into the first 40 towns and cities, and over the next decade the aim is to help at least 100 places to........

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