Breathing life into disadvanted communities

Environmental improvement fund open for applications

Green projects can now bid for a share of £400,000 to enhance woodlands and green infrastructure, boost active travel and encourage community growing.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has confirmed the latest phase of Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) funding is now open for bids.

The CSGN aims to transform the central belt into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and enriches the quality of people’s lives. Since 2010 more than 150 projects have benefitted from a share of £6.2 million.

Inviting applicants to the scheme, Ms Cunningham said: “The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace project and has a vital role in improving the health, biodiversity and education opportunities of communities right across the central belt. The next round of the CSGN Development Fund will help communities improve their local environments and engage people with the outdoors.

“The fund has a particular focus on disadvantaged communities, who can often benefit the most from improvements to their neighbourhoods. The fund is already helping people enjoy local greenspaces and I look forward to seeing the undoubted benefits of this latest phase of financial support.”

Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, said: “As Europe’s largest greenspace initiative, the CSGN is working to improve the lives of people in the central belt and this significant extension to the Development Fund will ensure the continued transformation of the region into a better place to live, to do business in and to visit.

“Eligible projects are those that will deliver or lead to woodland creation or enhancement, local food growing initiatives which will encourage healthy eating and schemes aiming to improve or create access routes to support active travel. We’re also interested in supporting plans which will breathe new life into vacant and derelict land and improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.”

The closing date for applications to the CSGN Development Fund is 5pm on 21 November. For further information and eligibility criteria visit www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/developmentfund