
"Oh, to be in England now that April's there..."
Green Belts give us a place to relax and enjoy the countryside.
Green Belts keep the city in the city.
Green Belt is countryside next to urban areas where there is a risk that the openness will be invaded by urban sprawl.
Areas are specifically designated as Green Belt to:
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Protect the countryside from urban sprawl
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Encourage urban regeneration
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Stop towns from merging into each other
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Protect the countryside setting of historic towns and cities
Green Belts could do even more. If we protect them, improve their quality and quantity, make it easier for people to visit them and help farmers and landowners to maintain them, Green Belts will bring greater health, social, recreational and quality of life rewards.
Green Belts cover 13% of England — which is too much to ignore and too little to squander.
The openness of Green Belt land needs to be cherished and protected permanently. That way, Green Belts will protect our countryside and help regenerate our cities — and they will be able to do even more for us. With confidence in their permanence, we can work to make Green Belts play an even greater role in improving our quality of life.