Almost £800,000 has been awarded to community-led schemes throughout Greater Manchester – all of which will improve or create local green spaces.
It has now been confirmed that there are 31 successful projects – at least two in each of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs – from Round Two of the Green Spaces Fund.
The news follows on from the successful first round of the scheme announced at the Green Summit in October 2022, which saw almost £400,000 allocated to 21 projects that are making a real difference to their local area. The fund makes small and large grants available for community groups wanting to create new, spaces or improve existing ones in their local area, particularly where there is currently a lack of good quality green space.
Successful bids in Round Two range from community gardens and growing spaces to educational and nature recovery schemes, including:
The Secret Garden Allotment in Rochdale, which will see raised beds and an orchard planted to create a community space for all people, helping them work together to grow their own food.
The Stretford Tree Trail in Trafford, which aims to combat social isolation whilst enhancing greenspaces across the area.
GROW with the FLOW in Wigan, which looks to focus on wildlife and woodland enhancement alongside a strong commitment to engaging the local community.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“The Green Spaces Fund continues to give communities the support to improve their local areas, in turn helping to make Greater Manchester a greener and fairer place.
“The variety of schemes we’ve been able to support through the second round of the fund really demonstrates the vast benefits that green space can have, from physical and mental health wellbeing to community togetherness and the biodiversity of our city-region. This is why it’s so important that everyone has access to some form of green space wherever they live.
“The next round of funding is due to open very soon, so if you think you can make a difference to your community, I’d really encourage you to consider making an application and helping turn your local area green.”
The Green Spaces Fund is managed by the Greater Manchester Environment Fund (GMEF). A pioneering body created in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, GMEF brings together communities and funding bodies keen to channel their resources into addressing environmental problems.
