The city wild about nature

Plymouth is the only UK city to be between a national park and a national marine park

Ask anyone in the city and you’ll likely find wetsuit and wellies in their boot. We’re a city united by our love for the outdoors — whether walking through muddy trails in the moors, braving a cold plunge in the sea or paddleboarding as the sun sets. Our location is our greatest pride and advantage.

The abundance of natural capital brings a greater quality of life. Between the untamed wilds of Dartmoor and the historic Tinside Lido, Plymouth is a source of connection, wellbeing and wonder for everyone. Here, you’re always close to the next big adventure.

Plymouth is the leading UK city to live for work life balance according to a study by Price Waterhouse Cooper in 2024 with wellbeing metrics scoring higher than peer cities like Bristol, Portsmouth and Southampton according to ONS data

With over 800 hectares of woodland, 282 hectares of coastal habitat, and 1,390 hectares of priority habitat Plymouth is a leading city for nature conservation within the UK. 25% of the city has important nature areas as part of the city’s Nature Recovery Network according to Natural England. Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is the UK’s first national marine park and is one of the oldest continually studied marine areas on earth with multiple sites of protected areas.

Plymouth has been recognised by ‘Tree cities of the world’ as a ‘global tree city’ having planted over 35,000 trees across the city since 2024 and ranking globally amongst cities including New York, Buenos Aires and Malmo.

Find more information on Plymouth’s natural environment and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.