Community groups can bid for a share of a £1m fund to help them develop ‘pocket parks’.

Pocket parks are small plots of land, mostly seen in urban spaces, which can help improve the physical and mental health of the communities using them.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government today announced there is up to £15,000 available to community groups wishing to build new pocket parks.

The Pocket Parks programme, which was launched in February 2016, defines a pocket park as a piece of land of up to 0.4 hectares, although many are around 0.02 hectares – the size of a tennis court.

The parks and green spaces minister Rishi Sunak MP also said there is up to £25,000 available to help local groups renovate existing parks.

‘Green spaces offer people a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life to relax, keep healthy, learn about nature or spend time together with loved ones,’ said Mr Sunak.

‘Not all communities enjoy access to an abundance of usable space, while some existing parks might need a bit of TLC to bring them back to life.

‘The pocket parks plus fund will help local people to create and maintain small oases that they can take pride in and benefit from for years to come.’