CAMPAIGNERS are asking for Ealing Council to join their call for the Mayor of London to commission a report into the costs and benefits of making Greater London a National Park City.

They say that making a Greater London National Park would serve similar aims to other UK national parks: to conserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage, promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of London’s green spaces and foster the well-being of local communities.

Unlike rural national parks, however, it would not need planning powers to create.

The leader of the campaign, Daniel Raven-Ellison, said: “This is an opportunity to be part of a shared and transformative vision for London.

“From children to pensioners, teachers to gardeners, artists to architects and walkers to hotel owners, we can all take inspiration from a Greater London National Park, to make the capital even greater.”

As well as the health benefits from promoting green spaces in London, supporters say it would improve recreation opportunities.

A Greater London National Park would, he says, promote the city’s long-distance footpaths, 50 canoe clubs and numerous other forgotten opportunities to enjoy open-air recreation.

He believes this will also inspire recreation-linked business and tourism in the outer boroughs.

Kingston Council is already on-board, along with 80 other organisations, and supporters want Ealing Council to join too.

To petition Ealing Council, head to http://www.change.org/p/julian-bell-ealing-join-our-call-for-a-report-into-the-costs-benefits-and-options-for-a-greater-london-national-park