by Aidan Williams | 11 Nov 24 | News
A National Lottery Heritage Fund £5 million Nextdoor Nature programme has exceeded expectations by 800 percent, by enabling The Wildlife Trusts to work with groups across the UK for two years, reaching more than 1,600 communities from a target of 200.
At a time when a recent UK Government evaluation of green prescribing showed that connections to nature can bring about big reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression, and impressive improvements in well-being, the benefits of the Nextdoor Nature programme for people are significant.
Transformations have taken place across the country over the last two years in communities that have been traditionally or historically excluded from making decisions about nature and the environment in their local areas.
“We’re over the moon about the success of this programme, and humbled by the astonishing change that communities have achieved across the UK. When communities are supported to make a difference for nature, creative things happen, connecting nature and people together,” says Nikki Williams, director of campaigning and communities at The Wildlife Trusts.
“We’re especially excited by the knowledge that these changes form part of a sustainable legacy as more people become inspired to take action for nature where they live. The Wildlife Trusts are committed to bringing communities to the heart of decision-making. This has tangible and ongoing benefits to wildlife, nature and people.”
The projects from Nextdoor Nature have included working with Roma communities in East Belfast to support wildlife gardening, linking local schools with rare bird reintroduction schemes in Kent, rewilding Derby town centre and a nature-friendly faith space in Slough.
It is hoped it will create a legacy that will live on beyond the end of the funding through communities continuing to work using their new skills and contacts.
Responses to the project were very positive, as 95% of the participants in the programme said that as a direct result of it, there is now greater collaborative working between residents, local organisations and groups, and 82% feel there is now greater decision-making about wildlife in the hands of local people.
Many participants expressed that the project gave them a purpose and increased their sense of community. Engaging in collective efforts to improve local nature made them feel like they were part of something bigger, contributing to a common goal and enhancing their pride in their local area.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund adds: “This project delivers on our ambition to connect people and communities to heritage and the natural environment. I am delighted so many people are taking an active role in caring for nature and it has ignited a passion and commitment which will have positive impact for people and our environment into the future.”
by Aidan Williams | 02 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, News
Greener neighbourhoods are being encouraged with authorities and community partners invited to apply for grants totalling £15m.
It will help support councils looking to prioritise green infrastructure, improving climate resilience, allowing them to develop partnerships and build the foundations for change.
It is a 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.
Beginning yesterday, local authorities and their community partners are able to apply for grants of between £250k to £1m, with the National Lottery Heritage Fund making £15m in funding available UK-wide.
“Everybody should be able to connect with nature in their neighbourhood, and that includes people living in urban areas,” says Marian Spain, chief executive at Natural England.
“Improved access to green spaces at the heart of our towns and cities creates healthier and better places to live which are resilient to climate change, and it provides huge support for people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
“Nature Towns and Cities will offer local authorities and community groups the resources and expertise that they need to bring people closer to the natural environment and give them more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.”
The initiative is starting in a 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 but will focus on those currently lacking nature and access to parks and open green space.
As part of the initiative, local authorities and their partners, including community and other civic organisations, are invited to apply for capacity-building grants.
From early next year there will also be the opportunity to join a peer network to share learning and practical solutions and take advantage of schemes to attract new investment.
The grants have been designed to provide organisations with capacity and headspace to think and plan their urban green space for the long term. They will also help to develop partnerships, leadership and capability and build the foundations for change.
by Nina Mason | 20 Apr 23 | Commercial Landscaping, Landscape Architecture, News, Topics
Chatsworth House Trust has announced a new £7m restoration project for a Grade I listed feature on the estate, located in the Peak District National Park.
It has been awarded £422k of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to invest in the research and development work for ‘Celebrating the Cascade’, a project to restore the “popular” water feature at Chatsworth.
Built more than three centuries ago, the “iconic structure” of a temple with spouts and fountains has 24 steps that water flows over, descending around 60m.
The full restoration has been estimated at more than £7m and is “urgently required”, says the Trust. Rapid structural deterioration caused by significant leakage of water through the mortar and joints in the stonework, and around the surrounding earth, has resulted in the forced closure of a 19th century tunnel that runs underneath, which was once used to supply coal to heat the Great Conservatory.
Lord Burlington, chairman of the Chatsworth House Trust, says: “The Cascade is one of the most popular features at Chatsworth and ‘Celebrating the Cascade’ is a major project that will enable us to ensure many more people will get to experience and enjoy it in the years to come. This project is just one of many ways in which we are working to bring a more diverse group of visitors to Chatsworth, as well as creating truly transformational experiences that involve both the nature and the built heritage in our custodianship.”
