Help for Devon communities to enjoy great outdoors

Devon’s towns, cities and villages are being offered help from National Grid to create or improve green spaces that can be enjoyed by communities.  Support is available to develop parks, gardens, open spaces, raised flowerbeds and living walls in public areas.

National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED) Community Matters Fund is also offering money to improve accessibility to green spaces by creating paths, ramps and seating.  Projects boosting biodiversity, such as bee hives, ponds, tree, hedge and wildflower planting will be supported too.

The Community Matters Fund is offering grants up to £5,000 for registered charities, while unregistered organisations can apply for up to £2,000. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 26 June.

Access to green spaces is widely recognised for being mentally and physically restorative, reducing stress and anxiety.

Projects supporting underserved or vulnerable groups to overcome barriers to benefiting from natural settings are particularly encouraged to apply to the fund.

Laura Bartle, NGED’s Head of Environment and Sustainability, said: “As environmental challenges continue to grow, protecting and enhancing green spaces has never been more important.  

“These spaces play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, improving health and wellbeing and creating more vibrant, connected communities. We all have a part to play in caring for the environment around us and we’re proud to support initiatives that help protect and enhance green spaces for the future.”

In total, NGED is offering £250,000 to support communities across the South West, Midlands, and South Wales to enhance local environments and create healthier, more connected places.

Charities and community groups can find out more about how to apply for funding here: https://localgiving.org/community-matters-fund-2026-110071