Why is England so green?
England is so green because of its mild, wet climate. Regular rainfall throughout the year and moderate temperatures allow grass and plants to grow almost all year round, keeping fields and hills green.
England's climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which bring mild, moist air. Winters are rarely very cold and summers are rarely very hot.
Rain falls on many days of the year, though often as light showers. This keeps the soil moist.
Fields and hedgerows
Much of England's countryside is farmland, with grassy fields used for grazing sheep and cattle. Hedgerows, many centuries old, divide fields and add to the green landscape.
The famous phrase green and pleasant land comes from William Blake's poem, now known as the hymn Jerusalem.
During long dry spells, such as the summer of 2022, grass can turn brown, showing how much the green landscape depends on rain.
Visitors are often surprised by how green England is, especially in spring and early summer.
The green color of spring, with fresh leaves on trees, is especially vivid in May.