The city as a livable park

17:45 - 18:15

La Centrale, Nuvola Lavazza

What if our cities were considered as National Parks? An expert in social change has led London’s quest to reconnect with nature, sparking a global movement.

“What if we imagined our city as National Park City?”
A grassroots movement launched in July 2019 tried to answer this provocative question, reimagining London as part city, part national park. It promotes the idea that urban life and nature are not mutually exclusive—nearly half of London’s area is green or blue, and the goal is to deepen residents’ connection to this rich ecological network.

Through community-led initiatives, the campaign recruits and trains volunteer Rangers in every London neighborhood, empowering them to lead walks, workshops, green infrastructure projects, and climate-focused activities.

The initiative’s goal is to deliver a measurable impact and gain support from organizations like the City of London Corporation, Natural England, Sustrans, and the National Trust. In 2024, London National Park City earned the prestigious World Urban Parks Legacy Award, recognizing its innovation in urban green space stewardship.

London’s example has sparked a global movement, with cities like Adelaide, Breda, Chattanooga, and Johannesburg now exploring National Park City status.

By reframing boroughs and streetscapes as wild, living infrastructures, London National Park City plants the seeds for resilient, biodiverse urban futures, proving that rewilding and sustainable wellbeing can thrive right at home.

London

Mark Cridge Founder

London National Park City

Mark Cridge has 25 years of experience in digital innovation across business and the non-profit sector. He is Executive Director of the National Park City Foundation, promoting a movement to make cities greener and more connected to nature in response to climate challenges. Formerly CEO of mySociety, he led organizational transformation and the launch of SocietyWorks. He has also held roles in digital consultancy, political campaigns, and the national executive of the Green Party of England & Wales.

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