Green Recovery Challenge Fund
Recently, there was a consultation on a new England Tree Strategy to expand tree cover, support woodland management and increase public engagement with trees and woodlands. Because of this consultation, the government set up a two-round funding scheme. They were looking at ways to accelerate a nature recovery across the country that will support 2,500 jobs and contribute to its target of trebling tree planting. This all helps and is adding to their 25-year environmental plans.
The take-up of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund round 1 was a great success. It saw £40 million awarded to 69 projects and 800,000 trees planted. Green Recovery Challenge Fund round 2 is on track to become equally successful.
Rebuilding our natural heritage
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “From wetland restoration, to creating wildlife-rich habitat for bees, it is vital that we value, protect and rebuild our natural heritage. This new funding will not only allow projects to carry out direct conservation, which is essential in protecting our biodiversity, but it will increase awareness of how and why we need to change our behaviours in order to protect our future.”
The fund is delivered by National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency.
Another £40 million
There has been widespread coverage of the awarding of the second round of funding for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The projects, which will receive a share of £40 million and will span over 600 sites, from North Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall. These will range from new ‘insect pathways’ in our countryside and towns, to tree planting projects in deprived urban areas.
Protecting our future
Tree & Lawn Company are looking forward to seeing the exciting green impact this has over the next few years.