Salford and various regions across the North West are set to benefit from a £2.6 million funding boost to help ensure a greener future.
In the funding boost Salford, Manchester, Blackpool, and the Liverpool city region are all set to benefit, as it will aim to improve the area for its residents.
Together they are amongst 40 towns and cities across the country receiving an investment of £15m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of a new mission announced today (Friday 18 July).
The mission is set to particularly focus on those places and communities currently lacking access to quality green space to make them a Nature Town or City.
Nature Towns and Cities is a coalition of organisations united by the ambition to enable millions more people to experience nature in their daily lives.
The first of its kind programme was announced by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to help at least 100 places across the UK to become greener, healthier, happier places.
Kickstarting the programme, forty towns and cities across 19 partnerships will receive grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
From the received £1 million funding, Salford and Manchester are planning to work together to create an interconnected network of green and blue spaces—linking parks, urban waterways, and industrial heritage sites.
These plans will align with the ambitions of the Greater Manchester 5-Year Environmental Plan – that will aim to create vibrant corridors that enhance biodiversity and create a greener future.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England said: “Nature helps us to improve our mental and physical wellbeing, mitigate the impacts of climate change and drive green growth through the creation of spaces for people to connect with nature, making better places for people to live, work and invest.
“Yet for millions of people in urban areas there is no green space within a 15-minute walk of their home. Natural England research shows the stark inequalities of access to nature for people in disadvantaged urban communities.
“We are proud to be part of the Nature Towns and Cities project, helping millions of people enjoy nature and inspire communities to take part in nature recovery.”
As well as the grants announced today, the programme has also awarded Birmingham, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole as the UK’s first Nature Towns and Nature Cities, recognising their ambition and commitment for nature and communities.
It’s hoped that the funding boost for Blackpool, Liverpool, Salford, and Manchester will help them to follow suit, working towards the Nature Town or Nature City status.
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