Treeconomics has announced the launch of Urban Forest 3-30-300, a new mapping and analysis tool designed to help local authorities understand how neighbourhoods perform against the 3-30-300 principle – an emerging standard for healthy, nature-rich urban environments.
The 3-30-300 rule, proposed by international urban forestry expert Dr Cecil Konijnendijk FICFor (Hon), sets out three simple targets:
- 3 trees visible from every home
- 30% canopy cover in every neighbourhood
- 300 metres maximum distance to the nearest publicly-accessible green space
The 3-30-300 principle is gaining international attention, with cities and researchers in Europe, North America and Australia exploring it as a practical framework for improving access to urban nature. The concept is still relatively new in the UK, although councils here are increasingly seeking practical methods for improving liveability in towns, with a focus on long-term climate resilience and fair access to nature.
John Rose, Treeconomics, said:
“The 3-30-300 rule offers a resident-centred way to think about access to nature: can people see trees, and do they live among trees? Urban Forest 3-30-300 allows UK councils to understand this at multiple levels from individual buildings, to streets and neighbourhoods, right up to the whole town or city. It is an accessible starting point for the effective allocation of resources on the ground.”
Dr Cecil Konijnendijk FICFor (Hon), Nature Based Solutions Institute, commented:
“I am pleased to see UK organisations adopting the 3-30-300 principle. The rule is meant to be practical and actionable, helping cities improve health, wellbeing, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Tools like Urban Forest 3-30-300 make it easier for local authorities to understand where they stand and where targeted greening can have the biggest impact.”
Interest in the 3-30-300 concept has expanded rapidly since its introduction, driven by academic research, international municipal case studies, and rising public recognition of the importance of everyday contact with nature. For UK local authorities, the concept offers a straightforward way to align greening initiatives with broader social, environmental and health priorities.
