I spoke at the HTA Conference about the importance of green spaces

It was a real pleasure to speak at the HTA News conference this afternoon.

The horticultural industry knows better than most the extraordinary value of green spaces. From growers and landscapers to retailers and designers, their work creates places of beauty, supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and spreads joy.

After all, aren’t garden centres often regarded as the happiest retail spaces in Britain?

But despite their incredible work, and despite us being a nation of gardeners, Britain is one of most nature-depleted countries in the world. Access to nature is declining rapidly. Right now, 20 million people in this country don’t have access to a green or blue space within 15 minutes of where they live.

Rectifying this was a key aim of my Green Spaces Bill. Sadly, the Bill is unlikely to go any further this parliament. But its introduction did start a much-needed conversation about the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature.

If we are serious about tackling the housing crisis, the climate crisis, and the public health crisis, then we must put green spaces at the heart of planning, investment, and policy. Access to nature is not a ‘nice to have’ – it is fundamental to our future.