Communities are being encouraged to apply for free garden packages as part of Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme ready for when projects can begin.
A choice of pre-paid ‘starter’ packages are being offered to community groups and organisations to create help reverse nature’s decline. They include all the plants, tools and materials needed to create small gardens.
There are also ‘development’ packages available that will enable communities to create larger-scale projects, including food growing areas, sustainable urban drainage systems and wild gardens.
Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said:
“We’ve had a fantastic response to Local Places for Nature so far, and it’s been a real privilege give so many groups and organisations positive news at such a difficult time. More than ever, people are recognising the value of nature to the health and well-being of our communities. We know there are many other areas that could benefit from the scheme and we’re urging people to get involved while there are still free packages available.”
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:
‘’We have all seen how important nature is for our mental well-being. Our £5m Local Places for Nature programme encourages communities to get involved with creating nature ‘on their doorsteps’. We are delighted that Keep Wales Tidy are accepting applications again, in readiness for when projects can begin. Currently we are all staying local, to protect the NHS and save lives, but as conditions allow and when safety can be assured, I hope volunteers across Wales will be involved in these local projects to restore and enhance nature.”
A panel of experts are assessing the applications each month and have already awarded 366 packages to sites across Wales.
The initiative is part of a wider £5m Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ fund committed to acquiring, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.
The next application deadline is 31 July. To apply for Local Places for Nature, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature
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