The Haven Gateway Partnership (HGP) is offering up to £18,000 to support the most innovative green space idea in South Suffolk or North Essex.

 HGP launched its: ‘I love landscapes’ campaign - asking residents to tell them what they felt the green space priorities were in their area. To-date 100s of people have visited the site to support green initiatives, enquire about funding and nominate green spaces across the sub-region.  Over 100 people are now following the initiative via Twitter.

 Jonathan Rochford, Groundwork Project Manager working with the HGP said: “The campaign is off to a fantastic start, and the £18k grant now aims to establish or enhance green spaces with more than one use that readdress the pressure of development.  For instance, it could be used to create a ‘green corridor’ for people and wildlife to get out into the countryside or provide spaces for people to use for recreation and wildlife to live in.”

 “Projects can come from nearly any sort of established group or organisation – community groups, land owners, businesses or individuals.  Ideally we want projects with a lot of community support, that offer real community benefit and are in areas that have recently or are due to receive a lot of housing growth.   Entrants can bid for 75% of capital project delivery costs or £18k as a maximum grant award.  Capital projects might include constructing a new play space with a habitat or building a path.  The scheme can even enable groups to purchase land.  This is one of the few grant funds that businesses and landowners can apply to. More information, such as how to get involved and past case studies, factsheets and the application packs are now available from the website: ilovelandscapes.co.uk.”

 The closing date for entries is 28 February 2011.   To find out more click here.