Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have collectively been declared the 海角视频’s first official nature towns.
The multimillion-pound initiative, announced by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is part of a 海角视频-wide mission to bring access to nature to urban communities.
The heritage bodies have billed the scheme as the first of its kind and are providing £15.5m to help at least 100 places across the country.
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To achieve official 'nature towns' status, BCP council have committed to work hand-in-hand with partners to transform 14 urban parks for people and nature, and create multi-functional greenspaces - from community parks with cafes, to allotments and smaller garden spaces.
Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, energy and environment at BCP Council, said: “It is fantastic to see our ambitions and innovation recognised at a national level - particularly as we continue to invest in improving access to nature for all our residents - and receiving this recognition will help us to do just that.
“We have incredible greenspaces across our three towns and it is so important that we protect them for future generations.
“Our parks operations and countryside teams work brilliantly to maintain and restore our vast natural spaces and this accreditation is a well-deserved recognition of that.”
Bristol, meanwhile, has received £1m in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help take steps to become a 'nature city'.
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Councillor Martin Fodor, chair of the environment and sustainability committee at Bristol City Council, said: “Our Nature Together project will support communities across our city to make it easier to take meaningful action for nature.
"This very welcome funding will enable us to work closer with partners and communities, co-developing a ‘one front door’ approach that will further develop a culture where we are proactive in climate action, fostering a can-do attitude that is collaborative."
Natural England research has revealed that millions of people living in urban areas have no green space within a 15-minute walk of their home.
“Nature helps us to improve our mental and physical wellbeing, mitigate the impacts of climate change and drive green growth through the creation of spaces for people to connect with nature, making better places for people to live, work and invest," said Marian Spain from Natural England.
"We are proud to be part of the Nature Towns and Cities project, helping millions of people enjoy nature and inspire communities to take part in nature recovery.”
Hilary McGrady, director general at the National Trust, added: “By prioritising areas in the greatest need, we aim to help nature, beauty and history spring to life in some of the most nature-deprived places in the country.
“This necessary and targeted support combined with community outreach and excellent resources, will enrich places with green space and contribute to the healthy mind, body and future that people need.”