Belfast Joins the National Park City Movement
We are thrilled to announce that Belfast is the latest city to be nominated as a National Park City in the UK — and the first in Northern Ireland. Belfast now joins London, Adelaide, Chattanooga, and Breda as established National Park Cities, alongside Southampton, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Rotterdam as fellow Nominated National Park Cities.
How the Campaign Began
Volunteers from Wild Belfast and Queens University Belfast launched the campaign in 2025. They embraced the National Park City story quickly and wholeheartedly, recognising its inspiring potential. Their goal is to help people from all communities build a deeper connection with the urban nature right on their doorsteps.
Neil Galway of Queens University Belfast said:
“Becoming a National Park City is about prioritising the relationship between people and the city and its neighbourhoods. It is about looking at how to improve the provision and management of outdoor spaces to encourage a stronger sense of pride and ownership of nature nearby. It offers an opportunity to create a city that both enhances biodiversity and promotes spaces that foster healthier and more connected lives.”
What National Park Cities Stand For
National Park Cities draw inspiration from the world’s National Parks. Together, they work for better lives, health, and wellbeing. They also champion stronger relationships with nature, responsible consumption, improved habitats, cleaner air and water, and more time outdoors for culture, art, play, walking, and cycling.
As a result, Belfast will develop its own version of the Universal Charter for National Park Cities. Contributors from over 50 countries originally created this charter, and Belfast’s version will reflect its own communities and landscape.
Perla Mansour of Wild Belfast said:
“Achieving National Park City status will help us all to celebrate the living landscape that encompasses Belfast’s hills, woods, coast and streets. We want to empower everyone to recognise that we are its custodians and, in that role, reflect on all we can do to better protect and enhance it.”
The Official Announcement
Daniel Raven-Ellison, Founder of the National Park City movement, will announce Belfast as the next Nominated National Park City at the ‘Why National Park Cities?’ event at the Halt on the evening of 18th February 2026. Daniel said:
“Every National Park City is unique to its own place and landscape. It has been incredibly inspiring to hear how the campaign in Belfast has recognised the potential for becoming a National Park City to accelerate efforts to connect people with urban nature. We’re excited to welcome Belfast into the National Park City family in the next few months.”
Strong Community Support
Belfast has already built an active movement behind its nomination. Dozens of partners have pledged their support, including City Council representatives, charities, local environmental groups, grassroots community organisations, and businesses from across the city. This demonstrates a clear and genuine commitment to the process.
What Happens Next
The Belfast team will now work with their communities to develop the partnerships, plans, and ambition needed to move forward. Specifically, they will follow the 10 steps and 23 assessed criteria set out in the Journey Book before undertaking a peer review process in the coming months.
