Urban Nature Area Reaches Out

Thursday 20th September 2012

a wildflower meadow with houses in the backgroundphoto of wildflowers taken by Kieron Huston

The creation of many more lasting, beautiful nature sites across our urban conurbation is well under way, but more are needed.

Since the announcement of Birmingham and the Black Country becoming the first urban Nature Improvement Area (NIA) earlier this year, the impact is really being felt in some places.
NIA Programme Manager Simon Atkinson of Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust explains:
“We want as many communities as possible to benefit from the amazing opportunities available to give nature a boost where they live.
“From blooming bluebell woods and beautiful wildflower meadows to streams and ponds teaming with life, we want everyone to have a special place where they can enjoy wildlife.
“Anyone who is connected with an area of green space and could do with some help in making it even more special should get in touch to see if the Nature Improvement Area can do it.”
With £600 000 to develop projects that will boost nature locally, this is a chance community groups should take seriously.
Details of how to apply are on the website: http://bbcwildlife.org.uk/NIA
ENDS
Notes for Editors
1) Nature Improvement Areas have been created by the government to drive forward the restoration of the natural environment on a landscape scale: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/nia/
2) The funding for Nature Improvements Areas comes from DEFRA and Natural England.
3) Birmingham and the Black Country was one of 12 areas announced on 27th February 2012 and is the only urban area with The Wildlife Trust leading a partnership of over 50 organisations: http://bbcwildlife.org.uk/NIA
4) Projects need to be assessed against the NIA priorities in order to get funding.