New Nature Project Set to Boost Green Space Access Across Sunderland

Local TV

A major new project designed to help Sunderland residents connect with nature is set to launch, following nearly £500,000 in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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00:00Thunderland City Council has confirmed it will deliver the three-year Connecting Through Nature

00:04programme which is backed by nearly half a million pounds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

00:10and the council contributing over 100 grand for it too. The initiative which is one of only a

00:15handful supported nationally through the Nature Towns and City scheme aims to improve access to

00:20the city's parks, coastline and riverbanks. It will also support volunteering, outdoor activities

00:26and nature-based social prescribing to promote health and well-being. Key features include

00:32adult education courses in conservation and horticulture, new roles for project officers and

00:38the creation of toolkits for community groups managing green spaces. Small grants may also

00:43be distributed to support local efforts in nature conservation. The council has named Durham Wildlife

00:49Trust as the lead delivery partner although other organisations may be brought in to support delivery

00:55over time. At a cabinet meeting councillors welcomed the project highlighting its potential to tackle

01:00issues such as anti-social behaviour, support public health efforts and help residents reconnect with

01:07the natural environment especially in the wake of the pandemic. Councillor Lindsay Leonard, cabinet member

01:12for Environment said the funding would improve access to nature and enhance green space quality across

01:18the city. Meanwhile deputy leader Kelly Chekka said she was excited to see communities make better use of

01:24Sunderland's natural assets for wellbeing and community connection. Council leader Michael Morey added that

01:30the project would bring together organisations across the city to foster local pride, learning and long-term

01:36engagement with the environment. Work is expected to begin this year and will continue through to 2028.

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