Culture Nature Now is the latest phase of the Culture Nature partnership between Libraries Connected and Natural England. Building on the success of the earlier Culture Nature England programme, Culture Nature Now focuses on strengthening relationships between public libraries and local Protected Site Strategies (PSS) teams to help communities connect more deeply with the natural world.

About the project

Culture Nature Now supports libraries to work directly with their local PSS teams to explore and celebrate the protected landscapes on their doorstep. Each participating library service has been selected because of its proximity to a nationally significant protected site. Together, libraries and PSS teams are co‑designing activities that help local people understand, enjoy and value these unique environments.

Participating library services and protected sites

What the partnership aims to achieve

Culture Nature Now is designed to:

• Strengthen collaboration between libraries and Natural England's Protected Site Strategies teams
• Support communities to build deeper connections with nature
• Increase awareness of the value and importance of protected sites
• Encourage inclusive and creative nature‑based activities in and around libraries

What’s happening across the project

Each area is developing a locally tailored programme shaped by its landscape, communities and priorities. Early activity plans include:

• Nature‑inspired creative sessions delivered in public libraries
• Guided events and outdoor activities at or near protected sites
• Intergenerational nature experiences for families and community groups
• Collaborations with local artists, environmental experts and cultural organisations

With projects now underway, activities will continue to roll out across spring 2026.