The Big Lottery Fund is the largest Lottery distributor. It aims to improve communities and the lives of people most in need through supporting projects that improve health, education and the environment.
Peoples Millions – Carnmoney Hill
In partnership with ITV the Big Lottery Fund People’s Millions fund we gave the general public the chance to vote for their favourite project in their region. In 2006, our project at Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland was voted runner up and received an award of £43,522.
The project transformed an isolated car park in Carnmoney Hill that had previously been used as a dumping ground into a wildlife haven and community amenity. This is a densely populated urban area and green space is very limited. With help from the local community, a pond and wetland area has been created, trees have been planted and new access has been created.
The site is now attractive and welcoming and local people are able to take pride in the site.
Changing Spaces: Access to Nature Programme – Woodland Communities Project
Run by Natural England and funded by the Natural Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, this programme aims to encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors, particularly those who face social exclusion or those that currently have little or no contact with the natural environment.
The Woodland Trust has been awarded £213,506 for its Woodland Communities Project. Central to the project is a series of ten urban woods in the Warrington and Runcorn area straddling two boroughs containing some of the most deprived wards in England. The aim of the project is to re-connect local people with their environment and reverse elements of anti-social behaviour by changing attitudes to these woods.
By restoring the woods and creating safe and welcoming spaces for recreation, the Woodland Trust hopes to inspire the community and provide a focus for family leisure and wellbeing.