Nature Towns and Cities - a new programme
All – a new programme launched by the National Trust, Natural England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund
An ambitious new programme, Nature Towns and Cities.
It is designed to help Councils work with our communities and local partners on shared aspirations:
- to bring nature and green spaces into every neighbourhood, so all residents feel the benefits for their wellbeing;
- to enhance and connect our parks and green spaces so they deliver the greatest benefits to people, nature and heritage; and
- to ensure green infrastructure underpins a thriving, healthy and resilient place that is great to live, work and invest in now and in the future.
The evidence is clear that access to nature, parks and green spaces makes people healthier and happier, feel more connected to their community and have pride in their place. However, Covid exposed the huge inequalities in this access, with recent data showing 75% of urban households in England, over 42 million people, do not have access to green space within a short walk from home.
Local authorities are uniquely placed to address this challenge but are working against a difficult backdrop of squeezed resources and stretched capacity. This new programme offers Councils and local partners the resources, capacity and expertise to co-design and implement solutions based on communities’ needs, with the support of our peers.
From today, capacity-building grants between £250,000 to £1 million are available to Councils and their partners across the UK, funded by £15 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These grants are designed to help teams lead for change, develop ambitious, long-term plans for our green space network, create strong delivery partnerships and new funding models. Expressions of interest in this new grant programme will close at noon on 12 November 2024, with more detail of how to apply on The National Lottery Heritage Fund website.
In addition, they will be offering a broader package of support to all UK local councils from early 2025. This will include peer networks to share learning and practical solutions, a programme of events and training, and an accreditation scheme to attract new funding and investment. More information on the overall programme is available at www.naturetownsandcities.org.uk
A webinar, introducing the programme and how your Council and partners can get involved, will be held on Tuesday 8 October (11am – 12.30pm) with sign-up details on the programme website.
They welcome the opportunity to work with us on shared aspirations to create greener, fairer, more connected places for our communities. Please contact their teams with any immediate questions at info@naturetownsandcities.org.uk
Hilary McGrady Marian Spain Eilish McGuinness
Director-General Chief Executive Chief Executive
National Trust Natural England The National Lottery Heritage Fund