WIREDGOV

Natural England yesterday (Monday 26 May) announced its £25 million Lottery funded grant programme ‘Access to Nature’ is now open for business.

Access to Nature aims to provide lasting change to disadvantaged communities by focusing on helping people who currently have little or no contact with the natural environment.

The grant scheme is open to organisations and networks who want to help broaden access to the natural world for young people, older people, Black and Minority Ethnic groups, and people with disabilities.

On launching the grant programme Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England said: ‘We all have a right to enjoy the natural environment, but for some it is easier than others – either through lack of opportunity, awareness or physical access.

“Putting people back in touch with the natural environment is a top priority for Natural England and the health of communities can thrive through access to nature. Natural England is delighted to be leading on this Lottery funded programme.”

Natural England has been appointed by the Big Lottery Fund as an award partner, responsible for distributing £25m through the Access to Nature scheme as part of BIG’s Changing Spaces programme. Access to Nature brings together the expertise of a unique consortium of environmental organisations to deliver the grants programme.

Peter Wanless, Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, said: “Access to Nature will help people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy their local environment and learn more about nature. Tens of thousands of people are set to benefit from the scheme and the Big Lottery Fund is proud to support it.”

Grants of between £50,000 and £500,000 will be available to fund projects across England on both a national and regional basis for both capital and revenue. In addition funding will be available for a select number of larger grants of over £500,000 for projects which have a national significance or impact.

Applications for funding opened on 28th April 2008 and will run until June 2010. Projects need to be completed by September 2013.

Notes to editors:

For further media information contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953, out of hours 07970 098005.

Full details of how to apply and details of funding are available on our website or telephone The Changing Spaces Advice line on 0845 3671 671.

Natural England is delivering this programme as the lead organisation in a consortium of 11 other organisations who have helped shape and develop it. The consortium comprises BTCV, British Waterways, Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission Greenspace, Groundwork UK, Land Restoration Trust, RSPB, The National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust.

The Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme was launched in November 2005 to help communities enjoy and improve their local environments. The programme will fund a range of activities from local food schemes and farmers markets, to education projects teaching people about the environment. Natural England was appointed as a Changing Spaces award partner responsible for distributing £25m for its Access to Nature scheme.

The Big Lottery Fund rolls out nearly £2 million in Lottery money every day. The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, was set up in June 2004. It gives grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888 - Out of hours: 07867 500 572
Public enquiries line: 08454 102030 - Textphone: 08456 021 659

Full details of the work of the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk