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Communities Unite for National Day of Action on 18th April to Protect Green Spaces

Over 60 events planned as groups rally to defend nature, parks and green spaces.

On 18th April 2026, communities will be holding events from Lincolnshire to London, the Forest of Dean to South Yorkshire to highlight the importance of nature to politicians before the local elections. Organised by the Community Planning Alliance, nationally the day of action sees support from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, the Badger Trust, the Bat Conservation Trust and the CPRE.

The day will see a diverse programme of activities including human chains along threatened green belt land, peaceful demonstrations, nature walks, protest walks to sites facing development, litter picks, community gardening and community celebrations, and family events — all aimed at celebrating local green spaces and highlighting the threats they face from development.

Those participating are united in their concern about the erosion of green spaces, parks and green belt land.
“Our green spaces are under unprecedented pressure. This day of action shows that communities everywhere are ready to stand up for the places that matter to them — for health, for wildlife, for heritage, for food, and for future generations. It is time for politicians to see how much they matter to voters. We urge people to join us.” Rosie Pearson, Chairman, the Community Planning Alliance (CPA).

“There is overwhelming evidence about the value of nature and green space to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as to a thriving economy. Yet time and time again we see politicians of all parties deride its importance to our communities. This Day of Action is an opportunity to bring people together in activities to celebrate and protect what we have and demonstrate to decision-makers why we look to them to protect and improve it.” Sally Hayns, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

“People’s access to nature has never been more important for their health and well-being, but also never been more under threat – from lack of effective protection and adequate resources to be properly maintained. It’s no wonder that thousands of local groups have sprung up in the last 25 years to help champion, maintain and protect the green spaces they love. We call on candidates and parties standing for election in all tiers of Government to publicly commit to ensuing all such spaces will be valued and safeguarded for generations to come.” Dave Morris – Chair, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS).

“Badgers are still among the most persecuted native wild animals, and the new planning and infrastructure bill now puts their hard-won protection at risk.
That is why Badger Trust is joining a wide range of wildlife, nature, and community groups for a National Day of Action on 18 April. Together, we want to show MPs, Councillors and candidates that protecting nature and wildlife matters to voters ahead of next month’s elections.” Nigel Palmer, The Badger Trust.

“Despite months of negative rhetoric about our wildlife, the truth is that nature continues to inspire, sustain, and unite us. We want communities to come together in a Day of Action to show local and national decision makers that nature matters.” Kit Stoner, Chief Executive, Bat Conservation Trust.