University aids £1m Lottery plan to restore nature

LJMU is part of an initiative to ensure nature is championed across our urban environment.

Liverpool is one of 15 cities to win £1m in fresh support for local authorities and community organisations to improve urban green space.

Evidence shows nature makes us healthier, happier and more connected but years of squeezed resources and competition for urban space means green areas and parks have been neglected or lost.

Now the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Nature Towns and Cities initiative will see Liverpool City Region Combined Authority working with the university, Mersey Forest and Mersey Environmental Advisory Service to bring nature closer to home for us all to enjoy.

Natural Capital Hub

LJMU’s Natural Capital Hub, which leads research on the real value of forests, rivers, land and more, is allocated £174,000 over three years. With the emphasis on helping communities design projects to restore nature, it will deliver training to organisations on embedding nature-based approaches. 

The LJMU School of Education is also involved due to its expertise in nature programmes in the national curriculum and the impact of forest schools.

Liverpool City Region says the initiative will build on the recent Local Nature Recovery Strategy consultation and the Mayor’s Community Environment Fund, which has already supported 120 local projects including community gardens, bikes for veterans, beekeeping and food-growing initiatives.

Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cllr Mike Wharton said:  “We are delighted to have been awarded this important funding which will help us restore vital eco systems, connect more people with nature and upskill our communities.”

Blackpool, Salford and Manchester are the only other places in the north west to receive the funding.

Greater investment in nature

The Combined Authority initiative aims to empower local communities to take an active role in conservation and ensure the positive impacts for nature, health and the economy are felt.  Under-served groups will be prioritised in leadership roles, training, and volunteer efforts, providing them with the opportunity to develop long-term skills in ecological care and climate resilience. 

Dr Colm Bowe, lead of the Natural Capital Hub, and Director of Liverpool Research Institute for Climate and Sustainability, said: "This project will be a game changer for the Liverpool City Region. It will give us the opportunity to enact many of our collective goals for driving greater investment into nature recovery and working with our communities to ensure the social and economic benefits it brings are being delivered in the right places and in the right way.

"We are excited to be playing a role in developing and providing training which will address the skills gaps and support job creation for the nature recovery sector, a key part of the fast growing green economy."

-Liverpool Research Institute for Climate and Sustainability recently launched a Climate Action Network with business and charity partners across the region.