A greener future for Wales as £1.1million in funding announced

They are amongst 40 towns and cities receiving a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of a new mission announced today.

Nature Towns and Cities is a coalition of organisations united by the ambition to enable millions more people to experience nature in their daily lives, particularly those places and communities currently lacking access to quality green space.

The first of its kind, this new programme announced by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to help at least 100 places across the UK to become greener, healthier, happier places for people to live and work.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery  Heritage Fund said,  

“I am delighted to announce an investment of £15 million which will help 40 towns and cities across the UK better plan their urban nature recovery, connecting people and communities to their natural environment in the places they live. We have invested over £1bn in regenerating over 900 urban parks and green spaces over the last 30 years, helping nature thrive in towns everywhere – and this exciting initiative, working with partners right across the UK,  will continue to build on this investment and give millions of people better access to nature close to home.’ 

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management for Natural Resources Wales, said:

“Congratulations to Neath Port Talbot and Torfaen on securing this vital funding for their communities.

“We recognise the urgent need for people and nature to thrive together in the face of the climate and nature emergencies in Wales. These projects are an exciting opportunity to deliver real, lasting change in the urban places where people live, work and play.

“We look forward to seeing how communities come together to shape greener urban spaces that enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and support the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.”

Lhosa Daly, Director, National Trust Cymru, said:

Today nearly 40 per cent of people have no access to nature within 15 minutes of where they live. That needs to change. And the National Trust, alongside close partners, is working hard to deliver that much needed change. 

“Nature, Towns and Cities is an exciting new programme, aligned with our 10 year aim to end unequal access, that will help nature, beauty and history spring to life in South Wales.”

“National Trust Cymru is committed to work beyond our boundaries, to collaborate across sectors and work with local communities to deliver real, lasting change that benefits communities not just today, but for generations to come.”

“This initiative is about more than just green spaces — it’s about creating healthier, more connected places where people and wildlife can thrive together. In Wales, where the landscape is such a vital part of our identity and well-being, this funding will help ensure that the communities of Neath Port Talbot and Torfaen can enjoy nature close to home.”

Kickstarting the programme, forty towns and cities across 19 partnerships will receive grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, from Portsmouth to Bradford in England, to Fife in Scotland, Torfaen in Wales, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

#NTC Torfaen healthy planet, healthy people project - £808,315

Torfaen wants nature and communities to thrive and will develop a masterplan to shape and guide the creation of accessible, resilient, and well-connected networks of urban green and blue spaces across the borough's three towns.

By working in partnership with communities, supporting local volunteering, delivering events, citizen science activities and themed campaigns, the project aims to shift perceptions about urban nature and its importance for well-being. They will also create a sustainable framework for long-term nature recovery through innovative green finance options and developing investment-ready projects. It will build lasting capacity through training, skills development, and access to expertise in landscape planning, ecology, and nature-based solutions.

Cllr Anthony Hunt, Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council, said:

“I am delighted that Torfaen has been awarded funding from Nature Towns and Cities. We want nature to flourish in Torfaen and for more people to experience its many health and well-being benefits. The funding will enable us to work with our communities and partners in new and innovative ways, so that together we can achieve more and make a real difference to nature recovery and keeping our communities healthy.”

#NTC Port Talbot – Nature’s Back in Town - £339,471

This project will revitalise green spaces in one of Wales' most urbanised areas, changing how locals interact with nature in their daily lives. A green infrastructure strategy will be created via habitat mapping, climate data, flood risk assessments and the voices of local people. Communities will be inspired and encouraged to support and design nature filled spaces nearest to them, giving them a lasting sense of ownership over their local environment.

Led by a dedicated team of wildlife specialists, "Nature's Back in Town" is a new approach to urban nature recovery. The project will create a practical roadmap for Port Talbot's environmental future, enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience and forging stronger community links —proving that even in traditionally industrial urban areas, nature can be an integral benefit of daily life.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have the support from the Nature Towns and Cities fund to deliver such an exciting and meaningful project. This is a fantastic opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our communities to enhance biodiversity, improve access to nature, and reimagine our urban spaces. By combining local knowledge, creativity, and environmental action, we hope to create lasting change that benefits both people and wildlife.

As well as the grants announced today, the programme has also awarded Birmingham, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as the UK’s first Nature Towns and Nature Cities, recognising their ambition and commitment for nature and communities. It’s hoped that the funding boost for Torfaen and Neath Port Talbot will help them to follow suit, working towards the Nature Town or Nature City status.

For more information visit www.naturetownsandcities.org.uk