Parks and countryside
Walsall Council secures nearly £1 million to enhance natural environments
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Walsall Council has secured nearly £1 million in funding from the Nature Towns and Cities Fund, delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This funding will support the development of Walsall's Nature and Health Strategy 2040, aligning with the borough's "We Are Walsall 2040" vision.
In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, microbiome assessments will be carried out across Walsall. Comprehensive mapping will identify disparities in green space provision between the eastern and western parts of the borough, guiding targeted investments.
To foster community involvement, three "Adopt A Space" models will be introduced for communities, schools, and businesses, alongside a community grants programme requiring groups to raise 10 per cent through crowdfunding, thereby fostering local buy-in.
“ This support from Nature Towns and Cities will enable us to re-envision Walsall’s open spaces. Our plans align with our ‘We Are Walsall 2040’ vision of a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable borough.
“Building on recent research proving the link between access to good quality open space and lifelong health, we aim to foster investment while addressing disparities in access from east to west, equalising benefits. “
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, this new programme delivered 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 for people to live and work.
For more information visit www.naturetownsandcities.org.uk
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