Citizen September 2025 - text version - Our fine city is a leading light in urban nature recovery

Norwich to flourish as a nature city with £750,000 funding boost

Norwich is set to become a national leader in urban nature recovery, thankst o a £754,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The new NatureCityNorwich project will help transform how nature is protected, connected, and celebrated across the city – ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

Over the next three years, the project will bring together residents, community groups, and local organisations to co-create a nature recovery action plan. This will include identifying areas where nature is missing, improving access to green and blue spaces, and supporting people to take part in local conservation and climate action.

The initiative builds on the success of Sweet Briar Marshes and complements wider council efforts to tackle climate change. This year alone, Norwich City Council has installed solar panels and battery storage at council depots, upgraded buildings with LED lighting and heat pumps, and made a commitment to using 100% green energy. A new Carbon Management Plan is also in development to track and reduce emissions across housing, transport, and procurement.

A new Nature Commission for Norwich will guide the city’s long-term approach to nature recovery, ensuring that local voices shape the future of our shared environment.

Councillor Emma Hampton, cabinet member for climate and environment, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together to create a greener, more connected city. NatureCityNorwich will help us build a future where nature is part of everyday life for everyone.”

Look out for ways to get involved this autumn – from community events to volunteering opportunities – and help Norwich grow into a city where people and nature thrive together.

Cllr Emma Hampton – deputy leader and cabinet member for climate and environment
"Look out for ways to get involved this authumn and help Norwich grow into a city where people and nature thrive together."