WHAT IS THE 3–30–300 RULE?

The 3–30–300 rule offers a clear, evidence-based way to understand what good, fair access to nature, trees and green space really looks like, and why it matters for both people and planet.

The rule was developed by Cecil Konijnendijk, a leading urban forestry expert and co-founder of the Nature-Based Solutions Institute (NBSI).

The principle sets out three simple but powerful goals for creating urban forests:

• 3: Everyone should be able to see at least three trees from their home
• 30: Every neighbourhood should have at least 30% tree canopy cover
• 300: Everyone should live within 300 metres of a high-quality public green space suitable for recreation activities

Together, these measures create a practical benchmark for healthier, greener and more resilient cities, and show how trees and greenery can be woven as an integral part into everyday life.

WHY IS THE 3-30-300 RULE SO IMPORTANT?

As urban populations across the globe face rising temperatures, more frequent and extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, the need for urban trees has never been greater.  

Urban trees are a proven, nature-based solution to the climate crisis, cooling streets during heatwaves, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and providing space for nature and wildlife to thrive. Just as importantly, they support people’s mental health, physical wellbeing and social connection.

But we know that across the UK, access to urban trees and green space is unequal. Disadvantaged communities often live in neighbourhoods with the lowest tree canopy cover meaning they miss out on the many benefits that trees provide. This is a problem we can no longer ignore, and one we are striving to address through following the 3-30-300 rule and championing tree equity across our work. 

HOW ARE WE PUTTING THE 3-30-300 RULE INTO PRACTICE?

The 3–30–300 rule connects climate action with social and environmental justice and is a guiding force that continues to shape our programmes and partnerships across the UK.

Our flagship multi-partner project, Tree Equity for Hartlepool, part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Linbury Trust is aimed at closing the town’s nature gap in line with these principles, with help from partners The Woodland Trust, Hartlepool Borough Council, Treeconomics, Tees Community Forest and Thirteen Group.  

Hartlepool currently has one of the lowest Local Authority Tree Equity scores in the country and so our work, alongside members of the local community, is centred around planting trees where they’re needed most to create a healthy, sustainable and more equitable urban forest for the town.