Dozens more local ‘clean and green’ initiatives get the go-ahead after Our Space Award backing

• Funding secured for three dozen community-led programmes through 2023/24

• Tideway continues its support for the ‘Our Space Award’, delivered by Groundwork London

• Projects will support wide range of community-enhancing activity

An additional 36 London-based projects designed to ‘clean and green’ the city have been given the go-ahead following a new funding commitment from Tideway, the company building London’s super sewer.

Last year, Tideway and other private funders awarded funding to 27 community-led initiatives as part of Groundwork London’s ‘Our Space Award’ – and such was the success of the programme, Tideway is extending its support into 2023/24.

The funding will go to a range of local groups developing active community engagement programmes that will improve neighbourhoods and shared green spaces.

Among the winning projects in 2023 are Nature Vibezzz, which involves the creation of a new wildlife area in King’s Wood in the borough of Lambeth.

The project will be will be engaging the local community and volunteers to increase the biodiversity of the site and create educational opportunities around nature conservation.

In Wandsworth, Goldfinch School will be supported as they de-pave an area of their playground to create a new meadow mound, complete with native plants and trees.

This will help connect their pupils to the environment and experience the benefits of growing their own produce.

A huge variety of other applicants were also successful, with initiatives ranging from tree planting, to improving water quality, to reducing health inequality and social isolation.

Kelly Bradley, Community Investment Manager at Tideway, said: “We’re so proud of our partnership with Groundwork London and delighted to support so many projects that will help local communities to ‘green up’ their neighbourhood to increase biodiversity, reduce air pollution and educate people on climate change.

“Partnerships like this provides a great legacy that will continue to grow and change the places where people live for the better.”

All the projects, which are privately funded and will be administered and delivered by Groundwork London, are scheduled to complete in February 2024.

Groundwork London is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.

Martin Petry, the federation’s Grants Manager, added: “We are thrilled that Our Space Award is supporting so many new projects and increasing the number of communities and organisations we will be reaching.

“The continued support from our funders, including Tideway, has enabled the Our Space Award to support over 130 projects across London since it began, empowering communities to take ownership and bring improvements to their shared spaces. A remarkable achievement."

As projects progress across London, Tideway and Groundwork London will continue to support groups with their delivery, including volunteer support and providing advice and expertise.