03.03.20
Winners of £1.35m fund for 68 green spaces announced
The Communities Secretary has announced today (Feb 3) winners of a £1.35m fund to deliver green spaces in communities.
The announcement, which coincides with World Wildlife Day, sets out 68 new Pocket Parks in every region of England.
Funding will be spent on transforming neglected urban spaces into green spaces for the community to enjoy, promoting clean air and healthier lifestyles.
The 68 new spaces will come from 19 brand new parks and 49 areas which are currently run down and unused, boosting biodiversity in towns and cities across England.
Children will have new areas to play and residents will benefit from outdoor fitness facilities thanks to the new parks. They will also provide a place for families and friends to meet and socialise, tackling loneliness and encouraging community integration.
So far, the government has funding 352 grants for the creation of 146 new parks and 206 derelict urban spaces in towns and cities, with these new grants funding the third round of Pocket Parks since their launch in 2016.
Communities Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
“Pocket parks are used for everything from exercise and gardening to socialising and relaxing. They have huge benefits for our mental and physical health and allow us to take a moment out of our busy lives to connect with nature.
“We are determined to protect our nation’s parks for future generations to enjoy, and on World Wildlife Day, I am delighted to announce the recipients of the extra £1.35 million for the Pocket Parks fund – adding 68 new parks, which will take the total we’ve backed to 352.
“Creating more pocket parks is part of this Government’s ambition to ensure that communities have a real sense of identity and place, and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy green spaces in their local area.”
Among the winning projects set to benefit from today’s announcement are the Groundwork Trust in Oldham and Rochdale, Dukeries Active Zone in Hull and Chacewater Projects and Chacewater Parish Parks Group in Cornwall.
Full list of winning projects here.