National Park City Launch
The launch of the world's first National Park City
London became the world’s first National Park City in the summer of 2019. A vision of the National Park City Foundation, years in the making, signed into reality at City Hall supported by over 300 events across the Capital.
London’s first National Park City Festival 20 – 28 July, celebrated London’s new National Park City status with over 300 free events across the capital.
The Festival was led by the Mayor of London’s Environment Team in collaboration with the National Park City Foundation and many other partners.
What we shared
Today I co-signed the London National Park City Charter which sets out key actions to make London a city where people, places and nature are better connected. A greener future is central to my vision for London and I’m proud we’re officially the world’s first #NationalParkCity. pic.twitter.com/e0SdqshGbS
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 22, 2019
Alison Barnes, trustee of @NatParkCityFdn, invoked the 70 year story of the National Parks, the spirit of Kinder Scout trespass. We need to honour the achievements of the past but also create what people need now. #NationalParkCity pic.twitter.com/fZMKCevPht
— London National Park City* (@LondonNPC) July 22, 2019
Today at the #NationalParkCity Summit, @TonyJuniper issues a rallying call for cities to become greener, healthier and wilder! @NaturalEngland pic.twitter.com/DEkhb9Vr5f
— IUCN Urban Alliance (@IucnUrban) July 22, 2019
London is officially the world’s first #NationalParkCity! Today, the @MayorofLondon co-signed a Charter, showcasing London's green future 🌳 pic.twitter.com/zPFVUwj2Xc
— London Live (@LondonLive) July 22, 2019
Today, we congratulate @MayorofLondon for committing to be the 1st #NationalParkCity & for joining #CitiesWithNature as a pioneer city. @SadiqKhan's vision for #London is a cleaner & greener city, taking bold action to ensure people, places & #nature are better connected! pic.twitter.com/E590qZXwlA
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) July 22, 2019
“The London #NationalParkCity is our habitat, it’s our city. We all have a voice to shape it. We need more bold visions of a positive future - a better life.” @DanRavenEllison at the NPC Summit. pic.twitter.com/jRFyWyxQzx
— IUCN Urban Alliance (@IucnUrban) July 22, 2019
Launched by the community
London’s new status as a National Park City was marked by a week-long summer festival. A city-wide invitation to discover London’s amazing outdoors with hundreds of free events, from the Thames riverbank to the city’s rooftops; from forest wilderness to open waters. The festival was led by the Mayor of London’s Environment Team in collaboration with the National Park City Foundation and many other partners.
A National Park City is nothing without its people. That’s why we invited everyone to throw their own mini opening ceremonies across the city. An outdoor art exhibit, urban greening projects, or simply joining friends for a stroll in London’s nature – it all counted in our vision for a celebratory launch of a greener, healthier, wilder city.
Asking What If?
What if the Trafalgar Square fountains were wildlife ponds?
What if we all used a network of green corridors to connect with our neighbours across London?
What if everyone believed they could be an adventurer?
In June 2019, before London National Park City’s official launch, a group of ‘Lightning Speakers’ took to the stage with a series of inspiring talks to envision new possibilities for our city.
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