North Lanarkshire is getting over £639,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help make local green spaces better and easier for people to enjoy.
The money will be used to create a new “environmental justice map” – a digital tool that shows which areas need the most help and what improvements could look like.
This will help to ensure that local people have a say in shaping a greener future.
The project, called Nearer to Nature, will work closely with local communities. People will be asked what matters most to them, and they’ll help decide where money should be spent.
Together, they’ll help design 18 projects to improve nature areas and connect habitats for wildlife. Two full-time staff and a team of local “Greenspace Ambassadors” will support the work.
The project will also look at new ways to fund green improvements in the future, such as “habitat banking” and “green audits”.
The funding is one of 19 grants awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund via Nature Towns and Cities, a new programme announced by Natural England, National Trust and the Heritage Fund which aims to help at least 100 places across the UK to become greener, healthier, happier places for people to live and work.
Councillor Helen Loughran, who leads the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “Through Nearer to Nature, we’ll work with communities to plan green spaces where wildlife can thrive and people can enjoy the health and social benefits of being in nature.
“North Lanarkshire has lots of green space, but not everyone can access or improve it. This funding will help us design two projects in each community board area, based on what local people want and need.
“We’ll also create volunteering opportunities and activities, and bring wider benefits like better health, stronger communities, and more climate resilience.”
It’s part of a new UK-wide programme called Nature Towns and Cities, which aims to make 100 places across the UK greener and healthier.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re investing £15 million to help 40 towns and cities across the UK plan for better urban nature. Over the last 30 years, we’ve helped improve over 900 parks and green spaces.
"This new programme will build on that work and help millions more people enjoy nature where they live.”
Nick Halfhide, Chief Executive of NatureScot, added: “Urban green spaces are where most people connect with nature every day.
"They’re good for our health and wellbeing. This funding will help North Lanarkshire and Fife attract more investment and work with communities who need these improvements most.”