A tarmac path in the centre with graves and monuments to right and left.
Highgate Cemetery, Swains Lane, Camden, London. Path from main entrance to southeast © Historic England Archive
Highgate Cemetery, Swains Lane, Camden, London. Path from main entrance to southeast © Historic England Archive

Urban (Built-up Areas and Gardens)

The urban environment is made by humans. Over centuries our villages, towns and cities have grown and developed. Much wildlife and nature has made the urban environment its home and is hugely valued by the people who share these places. Here you can find our advice on conserving parks and green space heritage along with further advice on place making and design, to inform nature recovery work.

Urban areas and the historic environment

Often the development of our urban environment was made in response to natural constraints; availability and proximity to water, slope and altitude, geology and available resources. The historical pattern of development worked with the grain of nature.

Most of our towns and cities have created a stable and consistent environment for many centuries. And many historic buildings have become havens for wildlife, particularly some birds and bats.

Change in the urban fabric also brings opportunities for wildlife. Improving the connections between habitats within and beyond built-up areas – our green and blue infrastructure – enables wildlife to move more freely. It also enables us to gain greater benefit from nature by being closer to it.

The following pages provide information on urban areas and the historic environment.