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31/01/2012
M&S and Groundwork announce plans to help NORTH EAST communities SHAPE FUTURE of local green spaces
Communities across the North East are set to benefit from a new campaign launched by Marks & Spencer (M&S) and environmental charity Groundwork.
The @myurbangreen project will aim to reconnect urban communities with their environment by being actively involved in shaping the future development, maintenance and management of their local ‘Greener Living Spaces’, created by M&S and Groundwork over the past three years.
Community groups in the North East will be supported by local green space expert Leah Remington, from Hartlepool. Leah will be on hand to help with tips and ideas on how to identify and respond to local needs, recruit volunteers and deliver activities.
Leah has already worked with local partners including Friends of Iris Brickfields in Heaton, the Phoenix Centre in Hartlepool and Maidendale Nature Reserve in Darlington to assist with tree planting, pond clearing and environmental crafts through @myurbangreen.
Nationally, by September, the programme aims to deliver at least 850 community green space activities and events, motivate 135,000 people to care for their local green space and support 300 ‘Friends of’ or other community groups to increase their capacity to support local urban green spaces. Examples include green space maintenance, tree planting, community clean ups and hosting community events.
The announcement is the latest development in the relationship between M&S and Groundwork – who last year opened the 100th ‘Greener Living Space’ – a network of new or improved green spaces at the heart of communities all over the country.
Leah Remington, Programme Co-ordinator for @myurbangreen North East, said: “The @myurbangreen campaign is a fantastic way to encourage people across the North East to support their local green spaces – whether it’s by rolling up their sleeves and helping at a tree planting event, or simply by encouraging their friends and family to take notice of the green spaces in their neighbourhood.
We have events planned throughout the region this spring, from tree planting in Stockton to litter picking in Stanley, and hope that lots of people in the community come along and do their bit.”
Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer, said “@myurbangreen is a new, exciting programme that will create a dynamic legacy in communities across the UK for the ‘Greener Living Spaces’ we have created with Groundwork. It will help local people take ownership of their green spaces and ensure they are fit for everyone to enjoy. It’s simple and effective way for our customers to get involved in supporting their local communities.”
Follow us on Twitter: @myurbangreen
For more information on @myurbangreen events in the North East, keep checking back to our News & Events section on the wesbite, or speak to Leah Remington, Programme Co-ordinator on 01642 815663
Take a look at some of fantastic work we've already done in the slideshow below!
