Local authorities across the UK have been invited to apply for grants to improve access to nature and green spaces in urban areas.
A new initiative, Nature Towns and Cities, was launched yesterday by the National Trust, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural England.
It aims to build on the legacy of the Future Parks Accelerator, and will also help councils develop and implement local nature recovery strategies.
Councils and community partners can now apply for grants of between £250,000 and £1m from a pot of £15m, with plans to support ‘at least 100 towns and cities’.
The director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, said: ‘There is overwhelming evidence that access to green space improves our mental and physical health and wellbeing.
‘Yet in England well over 40 million people don’t have access to green space close to home.
‘Councils are uniquely placed to tackle this, working with their communities and local partners.
‘We understand the difficulties caused by long-term cuts to budgets and capacity, and we hope this initiative gives them the inspiration and support they need to improve everyday access to nature and the outdoors for all.’
