From Defra, Official Statistics Access to green and blue space in England

In the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, the government reiterated its commitment to “make sure that everyone has access to green or blue spaces within a 15-minute walk from home”. This is known as the ‘15-minute commitment’.

Defra previously published official statistics in development on access to green space and access to blue space. This publication consolidates these statistics, showing household access to at least one green or blue space within a 15-minute walking distance, using an improved methodology. These are official statistics in development, and the first time statistics directly relating to the ‘15-minute commitment’ are being published for green and blue space combined. We particularly welcome feedback on the different parameters used within the ‘15-minute commitment’ statistics. To provide feedback, email the production team at access.statistics.feedback@defra.gov.uk or take part in our user feedback survey.

As part of the statistics, Defra have published a development plan. This is a list of the things Defra would like to work on and incorporate into the statistics. For example, Defra would like to improve data on access points to green or blue spaces and public rights of way to make sure none are missed, and are exploring publishing the data down to household level to support further analysis.

If there are things you feel are missing from the development plan or if you have any other comments or feedback, please: