Funds set to improve access to nature and green space!

The goal is to enable 100 towns and cities to transform access to green space in urban areas so everyone can enjoy time spent outdoors in nature, close to home.

• Local authorities and community partners across the UK are invited to apply for grants totalling £15 million.

• Councils will be supported to put green infrastructure at the heart of their plans and priorities, improving the climate resilience of their places and enabling access for all.

• Initiative backed by a new partnership between the National Trust, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural England, working closely with NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency.

• Seeking further investment to help Councils and communities achieve their ambitions to create greener, fairer, connected neighbourhoods that give communities pride in their place.

A new initiative will enable at least 100 towns and cities across the UK to become better places to live and work, by putting nature and green spaces at the heart of their plans and priorities. The initiative is starting in 'beta phase' to enable Councils, communities, partners and funders to shape it together. It aims to attract further investment and support for greener and fairer urban communities, improving people's health and wellbeing, creating better connected and more climate-resilient neighbourhoods. It will focus on those currently lacking nature and access to parks and open green space.

Pressure on budgets and competition for urban space has meant that nature, historic parks and green spaces have been neglected or lost from many neighbourhoods over the last few decades. Many urban communities are suffering the effects – limited outdoor spaces to play, relax or socialise and streets that can be too hot, with polluted air or higher flood risk. Latest government data reveals well over 40 million people don't have access to a green space a short walk from home.

Nature Towns & Cities, a new initiative set up by The National Trust, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural England aims to help Councils and communities tackle this by bringing nature and green space into their urban communities and places. The three organisations are also working closely with NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales and Northern Ireland Environment Agency to take the initiative UK-wide.
For further details on Nature Towns & Cities, please visit naturetownsandcities.org.uk.

• Find out more about applying for a grant on the Heritage Fund website.
• View the full news item here

Source: Information: Natural England and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Photo: Soar - on file.