Green mission aims to raise £1bn to bring nature into UK towns and cities

Initial 15.5m will go to schemes such as launch of large regional park to improving green spaces along canals

A coalition of environmental and heritage bodies has launched a billion-pound mission to bring nature into the heart of urban areas in the UK.

The first phase of the Nature Towns and Cities initiative will involve 15.5m being invested in 40 towns and cities across the four nations.