Natural environment

Plymouth's natural environment is unique. The city is bordered by two rivers, both of which are rich in animal and plant life, as well as several miles of coastline. Dartmoor National Park lies to the north-east of Plymouth, an area which holds unique historical legacies, and is also home to numerous protected species and landscapes. Planning and developing the city involves making space for the natural environment and encouraging development which both protects and enhances it. The Biodiversity Network aims to protect and enhance a network of Green Spaces. Plymouth's Local Development Framework includes key policies which promote and protect Plymouth's natural environment.

Visit Plymouth's Nature Conservation pages.

Green Infrastructure

Plymouth's Green Infrastructure (GI) project aims to link the environmental, social and economic needs of the city together, providing a network of blue and green spaces linking from within the city and out towards Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley and South Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) which border Plymouth. Within the GI project, several priority projects have been developed to focus directly on climate change, which are:

• Biodiversity and landscape connections
• Sustainable transport
• Timber, wood fuel and energy crops
• Local food

Visit our Green Infrastructure pages.

Stepping Stones to Nature

Stepping Stones to Nature is a four year project funded by Big Lottery's Access to Nature programme and hosted by Plymouth City Council. It works closely with organisations around the city to encourage residents of Plymouth into local green spaces, connecting people with nature and helping them turn awareness of climate change into action.

Discover more about the Stepping Stones to Nature project.