Three more applicants have successfully secured grants from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to help better connect people in the region to nature.
Kingstanding Regeneration Trust, Feeding Coventry and Caldmore Community Garden in Walsall have each received funding under the WMCA’s Community Green Grants scheme to improve the access to nature in deprived communities by improving green spaces or enhancing the local environment.
Each project applied to a receive a small grant meaning they will receive between £3,000 and £25,000 towards their goal.
Image (L-R): Simon Harrison, activities co-ordinator at Feeding Coventry; Lisa Miller, support and advocacy practitioner at Kairos – women working together; Hannah Coban, head of service delivery at Kairos; Bradley Robertson, gardening volunteer at Feeding Coventry; Helen Needham, chief executive at Feeding Coventry; front, Jean-Baptiste Vincent, support worker at Feeding Coventry, celebrate the Community Green Grant funding awards.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA, said: “The Community Green Grants scheme provides local groups and regional organisations with a wonderful opportunity to win funding to enhance green spaces right across the West Midlands - helping residents to enjoy the benefits of nature on their own doorstep.
“I congratulate the projects at Kingstanding Regeneration Trust, Feeding Coventry and Caldmore Community Garden on being awarded grants. They each in their own way enrich their local communities - providing beautiful green spaces for residents and visitors alike to make the most of.”
The largest of these three grants was awarded to Feeding Coventry, who received the full £25,000 as part of their Herbert, Kairos, and Foleshill Green Project. It aims to increase biodiversity through the planting of community gardens where people can grow food/ wildflowers and learn about the importance of natural habitats in urban areas. Feeding Coventry also support the city by running a social supermarket and several education programmes to reduce food waste and encourage sustainable food practices.
To enable as many people as possible to benefit from the grants, the WMCA is working in partnership with regional charity Heart of England Community Foundation, which will be managing the online portal and supporting the application and appraisal process.
Tina Costello, Chief Executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said:
“It’s fantastic to see more community groups receive funding for their green projects. We’re currently in a climate crisis so we are pushing for everyone to do more local to improve green spaces and become more sustainable. This scheme is such a positive opportunity for the region, I can’t wait to see the projects come to life!”
Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio holder for environment and energy and leader of Solihull Council, added:
“I am so pleased to see that the Community Green Grants scheme is giving even more local organisations the opportunity and resources to improve their local environment and enjoy their green spaces, as well as playing their part in contributing in the fight against climate change.
“At Solihull Council we are passionate about improving and conserving the biodiversity of our parks and opens spaces for all to enjoy. Any residents who are part of a project or group who share this passion – please don’t hesitate to send your application in!”
After launching January 2022, the WMCA set aside £725,000 for the Community Green Grants for community groups, charities, community interest companies and environmental organisations that can show how their planned activities will have a positive impact on the environment.
If you wish to learn more about community green grants and ways to increase biodiversity as part of your project, WMCA are hosting a series of webinars each month to help residents learn more about the scheme.
More information on the grants came be found on the WMCA website.
