Investment will make green spaces accessible

A SCHEME to link green spaces on Wearside making them easier for people to access has been awarded £490,000 in lottery money.

- TONY HENDERSON

The award from the National Heritage Lottery Fund comes from the new Nature Towns and Cities project, which is a coalition of organisations united by the ambition to enable more people to experience nature in their daily lives, particularly those places and communities currently lacking access to quality green space.

The first of its kind, the programme announced by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to help make at least places become greener and healthier locations for people to live and work.

Sunderland's project will be led by the city council in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust and the voluntary sector, and will be supported by other key partners.

Plans include a focus on linking community green spaces, parks, transport routes and the city's coastline and riverbanks, connecting people and creating a sense of pride in the local environment.