Nature’s Way project to raise nearly £100,000

It is one of nine environmental projects to receive more than £400,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Community Environment Fund.

The fund was set up by the WMCA using £1m of legacy money from the Commonwealth Games to support locally-led green projects that protect nature, reduce waste and make communities more resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change.

Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust’s bid for Dudley’s Path to Nature Recovery project has been successful.

It aims to help connect more people in Dudley and Sandwell to nature by creating new walking routes and improving wildlife habitats through the Black Country Geo Park.

The Canal and River Trust is receiving £100,000 to expand its Wild in Birmingham project to improve the natural environment with communities around sections of the waterway in Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

The Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) project has £25,000 to run farm visits and workshops for a further 1,200 children at inner city schools and youth groups in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Sandwell to improve their understanding of where they come from food and how it is produced. , helping them become conscious consumers in the future.

All Saints’ Action Network, Wolverhampton receives £25,000 to open a repair cafe at its community center and wood recycling centre.

The fund was made possible by the £70m Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund – the underspend from the 2022 Games which the UK Government has agreed to reinvest back into the West Midlands to ensure the positive legacy is felt by as many people as possible around the world. the region.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chairman of the WMCA, said: “There are many community groups and regional organizations doing fantastic work to protect, improve and restore the natural environment and it’s great news that we are able to continue to support them with grants from our Community Environmental Fund.

“Being able to access nature has such a positive impact on our health and well-being and it is becoming increasingly urgent that we take action to rethink waste by repairing and reusing products more and take practical action to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.”

Beccy Crosby, Funding and Partnerships Manager for the Active Wellbeing Society, said: “The Share Shacks have been able to demonstrate how they improve individual and community wellbeing as well as contribute to environmental sustainability.

“By continuing and expanding repair sessions through WMCA funding, we are helping to reduce waste from landfill and supporting people to develop skills, build connections and save money by easing the pressure to buy new items that are not used in regularly or prohibitively expensive.”

Norman Dandy, Nature Recovery Director for Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, said: “The funding we have secured from the WMCA will enable us to support Dudley’s wildlife and support our local community to connect more strong with her. We will work with the district council and other local organizations to restore natural areas on the city’s hills, from Sedgley Beacon to Rowley Hills. Walking will be a central part of our work – it’s a fantastic way for people to connect with nature and discover new areas to visit on their doorstep.”

Carl Edwards, director of education and public engagement for LEAF, said: “This grant will enable us to provide experiential learning opportunities for children living in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Sandwell.

“As a result of this work, children will develop a better understanding of where their food comes from and how to live sustainably. They will return home with a new appreciation for food, a passion for the countryside and lots of ideas for simple actions they can take to protect our environment. For some children, it will be the first time they have ever visited a working farm – a real ‘wow’ moment.

Community groups and regional organizations can still bid for WMCA’s Community Environmental Fund. Heart of England Community Foundation manages the online portal and supports the application and assessment process.

Find out how to apply at wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment/community-environment-fund