Community groups across Greater Manchester can now apply for grants of up to £40,000 to boost nature recovery, improve biodiversity, and create green spaces that will benefit our towns and cities.
Green spaces, from parks and public gardens to allotments and other community resources, can have a powerful impact on people’s health and wellbeing – but around one in three residents in Greater Manchester do not yet live within 15 minutes of green space.
Despite this, 71 per cent of Greater Manchester residents say that parks and other green spaces are our city region’s most highly rated local facility.
That’s why Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is taking action to support residents and community groups of all sizes to improve local green spaces make positive impacts in their areas.
The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund
The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund, delivered in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Environment Trust, provides grants of between £2,000 to £40,000 to community groups across the city region who want to increase the amount and quality of accessible, nature-rich green space where people need it most.
The fund not only helps nature recovery and biodiversity but improves community access to nature, which has been found to help improve health and wellbeing.
The fund is now in its fifth year, and since it launched more than £4 million has been awarded to over 120 projects ranging from green alleyways to allotments, and even an urban farm.
Different types of community projects and groups of all sizes are encouraged to apply, including groups who might have modest but mighty plans, to show that even the smallest green spaces can make a big difference for communities.
Improving green spaces to help wellbeing and recovery
Last year the Rewilding Fairfield Hospital project in Bury, run by the NorthCare Charity, received a grant of £40,000.
The project came about after the team noticed that the hospital had lots of natural beauty surrounding it, but it wasn’t always being used or appreciated.
Fairfield Hospital also sits in a location where support and health services are especially important in Bury, given the limited natural green space in the immediate area, so the hospital’s accessibility offered a unique opportunity to create outdoor areas for all.
Since then, the team has planted over 13,000 bulbs and, nearly 200 trees and revitalised over 9,000 square metres of neglected land. The gardens have supported people experiencing mental health challenges and helped reduced pressure on NHS services.
Increasing access to green spaces through initiatives like the Green Spaces Fund is a key part of our Live Well ambition to tackle health, social and economic inequalities in neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester, so that everyone gets the everyday support they need to live well.
Aimee Clare, NCA Interim Head of Fundraising, said:
“We’re thrilled that the project has raised awareness about the importance of green spaces for enhancing physical and mental health. The Green Spaces Fund didn’t just provide money; it gave us the confidence to start something that will benefit people for years.”
Cllr Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council and Green City Region lead, said:
“Access to nature and green spaces is vital for our wellbeing and mental health. We want to show that any green space, no matter how small, can create a healthier and happier environment for residents across Greater Manchester. I would encourage anyone who has an exciting or innovative idea to get in touch and apply so that we can help create more accessible and nature rich spaces for more people to enjoy.”
The fund is now open for applications until Monday 3 August 2026, and community groups across Greater Manchester are encouraged to apply for grants of between £2,000 – £40,000 to launch their own green projects.
Visit https://gmet.org.uk/green-spaces-fund for more information.
