Community Nature Fund
The Community Nature Fund enabled 26 community groups to connect people with and in nature .
Community nature projects received up to £5,000 to develop their projects. We looked to improve access to nature to address green inequality, especially in urban areas; to explore nature as a powerful hook to inspire climate friendly habits, well as support communities become more resilient and able to respond to local environmental and social needs.
What was the funding for?
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Increasing access to nature
To bring green space to an area where there is limited access to nature, e.g., by creating or enhancing a community garden or a green roof. This could also be encouraging a particular demographic who might not access an existing green space.
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Bringing people together
To bring people together and create community connection in and around a shared green space. Think activities like community growing, plant sharing, coffee and chats, or youth activities.
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Upskilling the community
To teach community members new skills and encourage health and wellbeing through spending time in green space. Think workshops and/or events taking place in green spaces, how-to guides on increasing nature connection, or training around nature-based activities.
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Climate resilience
To make an existing space more climate resilient and engage the local community on climate issues. Think changes to buildings and urban spaces that increase resilience to heatwaves, drought, coastal flooding, or sea-level rise, while creating community connection in the green space.
The 26 grant winners helped shape and are now members of the Community Nature Network – a collective of community-led green spaces bringing people together to enjoy nature, learn new skills, and care for their local environment.
The Community Nature Fund is supported by the Bentley Foundation.
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