Environmentalist Chris Packham says the UK's parks are a huge benefit.
This week, six of the UK’s much-loved parks are celebrating a huge boost of over £18 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG).
This cash injection from the joint Parks for People programme brings the total invested in public parks and the environment by the two Lottery good cause distributors to well over £1 billion.
Chris Packham, environmentalist and broadcaster, said: “We’re so lucky in the UK to have such wonderful parks which not only offer massive benefits in terms of health, quality of life and well-being, but also brilliant opportunities to get close to nature and escape the stresses of everyday life.
“We should all celebrate this fantastic investment from HLF and BIG. They understand that every community deserves to be near a great park.”
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of the two organisations: “Public parks are vital places and HLF and BIG are proud that our continued funding is steadily reversing years of under investment. £18 million will go a long way to transform these six parks but further money will always be needed to ensure they are properly maintained.”
The six public parks celebrating awards are:
• Spinney Hill Park, Leicester;
• Stewart Park, Middlesbrough;
• St James’ Park, Southampton;
• Howard Park and Gardens, Letchworth Garden City;
• Stamford Park, Tameside;
• Queens Park, Bolton.
