In a ground-breaking step towards equitable access to nature, we’re proud to introduce the Nature Equity Map. Designed to identify and address the disparities in access to quality greenspaces, this innovative tool combines multiple social, health, and environmental factors to pinpoint communities with the greatest need for support.

Why the Nature Equity Map Matters

The Nature Equity Map is an essential part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to nature. As part of our Strategy 2030, we aim for every person to be able to access natural greenspaces within just 5 minutes of where they live. But to achieve this ambitious goal, we first needed to understand the starting point.

The map serves multiple purposes:

• Baseline Measurement: To help us identify current gaps in nature access.
• Targeted Impact: To guide our work, ensuring we focus our efforts on the communities that need support the most.
• Advocacy Tool: To provide a data-driven case for why nature access is critical for public health, especially in underrepresented areas.
  

A Comprehensive Approach to Inequality

The Nature Equity Map isn’t just a measure of where nature is located – it also integrates a variety of social and environmental factors that influence people’s ability to connect with nature. These include:

• Access to natural greenspace
• Environmental inequality
• Health inequality
• Income inequality
• By combining these variables, the map highlights communities that face the greatest barriers to nature access, making it easier to prioritise efforts and resources where they are most needed.

How the Nature Equity Map Was Developed

The development of the Nature Equity Map was driven by insights from our Green Social Prescribing Programme, which revealed significant inequities in access to nature. Drawing upon its Natural Capital maps, we analysed the spatial distribution of nature access and how it aligns with other social factors, such as income, health outcomes, and ethnic diversity.

We consulted with external data experts from organisations like Sheffield City Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and the NHS, while also seeking guidance from academic experts like Dr. Paul Brindley of the University of Sheffield.

In addition, we examined existing tools like the Tree Equity Map and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Index, but our Nature Equity Map stands out because its primary focus is on natural greenspaces – areas like parks, woodlands, and green corridors that are crucial for both physical and mental well-being.

The Nature Equity Index

To make the data actionable, we’ve assigned each community an index score from 1 to 10:

• 1: Represents the lowest 10% of areas with the greatest inequality (depicted in the darkest colour).
  
• 10: Represents the top 10% of areas with the least inequality (depicted in the lightest colour).

This scoring system provides an easy-to-understand view of how communities across South Yorkshire are faring in terms of access to nature and the inequalities they face.

Turning Data into Action

We have integrated the map into our Strategy 2030 as a key tool for identifying areas where we can make the greatest impact. We are also able to use the map in our advocacy efforts, demonstrating the importance of equitable access to nature and how it can help address broader social and health inequalities. Additionally, the map helps us in our planning and prioritisation, ensuring that our efforts focus on the areas with the greatest need for action.

More Than Just Data

Beyond just a visualisation tool, the Nature Equity Map is part of a broader effort to foster “nature connection networks”, community-driven systems that not only restore natural spaces but also strengthen the bonds people have with their environment. By identifying places like Parkwood Springs, we can uncover opportunities to connect nature with people in new and impactful ways.

Looking Ahead: Advocating for a Greener, Fairer Future

As we move forward, the Nature Equity Map will serve as a cornerstone for advocating for policies and investments that prioritise nature access for all, especially in underserved areas. Whether it’s for local authorities, health practitioners, or environmental organisations, this tool will help us work toward a more equitable and sustainable future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of nature, regardless of their background or location.

© Made possible with Heritage Fund

Our Evidence-led Conservation is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.