Calls to create a Greater London National Park in the heart of the city have been made by a geographer from Ealing.

Dan Raven-Ellison wants to see the creation of the world's first urban national park which would encompass the whole of the capital, and wants the public to back his plans.

He says the idea that national parks should be viewed as remote and rural is out-dated.

"Cities are incredibly important habitats too," said Dan. "An amazing 13,000 species of wildlife can be found in London's open spaces which together make up 60% of the Greater National Park. I am proposing a new kind of National Park – an urban national park that would aim to conserve and promote London's awesome ability to be dynamic, innovative and evolve.

“The park's role would be to inform and inspire best practice, while helping better co-ordinate and promote London's biodiversity and recreational opportunities, especially those in outer London.”             

Examples of wildlife listed include peregrine falcons and over a dozen species of amphibian and reptiles.

National parks are funded by central government to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and their cultural heritage. Dan, who was named National Geographic's Emerging Explorer, wants these principles applied to London as well as the countryside.

Dan said it would change the way people view the city: “It's a bit of an outside-of-the-box curve ball, but sleep on it and you will realise what a great idea it is. Being the world's first National Park city could celebrate and consolidate London's position in the world as a leading, green world city that invests in the health and wellbeing of its people, which is great for both new and mature businesses and employees.”

People can show their support by visiting Dan's website   and sign his petition .