The PROSPECTS Foundation Natural Connections project has been awarded a grant from the Government’s £40 million second round of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, a multi-million pound boost for green jobs and nature recovery
Ninety nature projects across England have been awarded grants from £68,100 to £1,950,000 to create and retain over 2,500 green jobs, backed by the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
Work will be carried out on over 600 sites from North Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall, and combined with the first round, almost a million trees will be planted, contributing towards the Government’s commitment to treble tree planting rates across England by the end of this Parliament.
The Prospects Foundation will be using the grant to help connect people to natural green spaces in the borough of Hyndburn. Prospects will recruit one Head Ranger, two trainees and a minimum of 12 volunteers to improve access to local areas and carry out habitat improvements to benefit wildlife. As part of the project Prospects is committed to delivering 500 events and activities and actively engaging with more than 700 local people. This means everyone will have a chance to get involved, enjoy the outdoors and have an opportunity to create deep and meaningful connections with the natural environment.
Phil Barwood, Chair of The Prospects Foundation, said “We’re delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. We’re excited to be in a position to be able to deliver real benefits to local people and wildlife whilst at the same time helping to train up environmental project staff for the future.”
The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change. Connecting people with nature is another priority theme: by increasing access to nature and greenspaces, projects will support both physical and mental wellbeing. The Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.
Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “The diverse and ambitious projects being awarded funding today will help environmental organisations employ more people to work on tree-planting, nature restoration and crucially, help more of the public to access and enjoy the outdoors.
“Through our £80 million Fund, we are on track to support over 2,500 jobs, plant almost a million trees and increase nature recovery at a huge scale across the country, which will help us deliver against our 25 Year Environment Plan.”
A full list of awards is available to view here.
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