First year of grant scheme sees £1.7 million allocated to improve people’s access to the natural environment. Natural England’s Access to Nature grant scheme has been inundated with applications since it was launched in autumn 2007 by Alan Titchmarsh. Access to Nature aims to encourage people to appreciate England’s countryside particularly those who face social exclusion or people who currently have little or no contact with the natural environment – perhaps because they have had few chances to get out and enjoy green spaces or because they lack the confidence to do so. The overwhelming response to this £25 million scheme, which is funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme, shows that communities are hugely interested in creating new initiatives to give local people better access to nature. Dr. Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “Modern life can mean losing regular contact with nature, and we must find a way of putting people back in touch with the natural environment. Being outside is good for people’s health and wellbeing, as well as being an enjoyable way to get to know England better and have fun by learning new skills. If we can inspire people to value the world around them today, we have a better chance of passing on a connection with nature to future generations.”

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2 January 2009
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