Restoring an Edwardian garden, creating a wildflower meadow and installing bat boxes are just some of the exciting nature projects awarded funding through the Croydon Community Greenspace Grant.
The grant, funded and awarded by Croydon Council, gives money to Friends of Parks Groups, who work with the Council to improve their parks and green spaces.
The winning ’Friends of’ groups will share a total of £25,000 with the funding supporting a range of community-led projects across the borough, improving biodiversity, increasing climate resilience and helping more residents access and enjoy local green spaces.
The Council received a significant number of applications for the funding, with priority given to groups that clearly demonstrated strong outcomes and meaningful engagement with their wider community.
Those groups who were unsuccessful will still receive £250 in the summer from the Pride in Place programme towards supporting their chosen project.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry directed £25,000 of funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is awarded to councils from central government towards this scheme. Croydon has received £1,4m in total to boost skills, business and community spaces.
“This grant will help the Friends of Lloyd Park create a new wildflower meadow area that will improve biodiversity, support pollinators and create a more attractive natural space for park visitors. It will also enable our volunteers to work with the local community to enhance one of Croydon’s most loved parks.”
Owen Williams, Friends of Lloyd Park
“This grant will make a real difference to the beautiful woodland areas of Norbury Park, helping to improve both biodiversity and the experience for everyone who enjoys visiting the park. These precious spaces have needed some care and attention for a while, so we’re incredibly grateful to Croydon for awarding us this funding. Thank you from the Friends of Norbury Park and the local North Croydon community.”
Jenni Rodgers, Friends of Norbury Park
“We are lucky to have so many fantastic Friends Of parks groups in Croydon. Being able to award these grants is a great way to recognise the incredible work that they do and I look forward to seeing these projects in action.
“This funding is additional to the multimillion investment in our parks since 2022, including playgrounds, outdoor gyms, footpaths, viewing platforms and other enhancements.
“Despite our financial challenges we will continue to find opportunities to support community groups in the future, to help protect and preserve our wonderful parks and open spaces.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
