Government announces funding for Levelling Up Parks

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England have announced funding for new and improved green spaces for urban areas.

The Levelling Up Parks Fund aims to provide over 100 new and improved green spaces in towns and cities through £9 million in government funding.

The fund was announced during Love Parks Week, with an aim to create an oasis for the local community, boost creativity and mental health, and contribute to net-zero goals.

The fund is not open for bidding and has instead already been allocated to areas identified as most in need of quality green space.

In England, the fund will be allocated to 85 neighbourhoods most deprived of outdoor space, with areas set to benefit including Liverpool, Birmingham, Luton and Nottingham. Councils will be able to choose the nature and location of the new or improved parks in their local area.

£2 million of the investment will fund tree planting in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality.

£1 million has also been allocated to the devolved administrations to support green spaces in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Greg Clark MP said: "Parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities, providing sanctuary from the bustling streets of our towns and cities and spaces for people to relax and come together.

"Over the past few years, the importance of spending time with loved ones and getting outdoors has become even more apparent, and this latest government funding will help people living in urban areas do just that.

"I look forward to seeing the new parks come to life and making a real difference to people’s daily lives for years to come."

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England said: "Big or small, green areas help us to connect with nature and support the health of our communities. Our research showed that 4 in 10 people said visiting green and natural spaces had been even more important to their wellbeing since the pandemic began."

"This investment will create new habitats for our precious wildlife and build beautiful places for everyone to enjoy, with our data and expertise supporting the development of green spaces in areas where communities say they are needed the most."

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