Community charity Groundwork is working in partnership with Tesco to deliver funding to improve local open spaces over the next two years.

The Bags of Help grant scheme is a boost to community coffers in Norfolk. In the next round, nearly £250,000 could be awarded to local community groups in the county alone, all aimed at improving local open spaces. Projects that will get the green light include pocket parks, green corridors (canals, old railway tracks), playground equipment, sports fields and country paths, and it can be wild, urban, natural or man-made. However, community groups, parish councils, wildlife trusts and urban parks need to get their application in by 3 June 3.

John Ellerby, the Tesco Bags of Help enabler for Norfolk and Waveney said: “I’m contacting local newspapers to ask for help in raising awareness of the call for applications to ensure as many eligible groups as possible know about it and apply.

“The remit is pretty wide, and most organisations can apply. The main exclusions are businesses and individuals. In Norfolk there are up to 27 grants up for grabs and in Waveney there are three grants available.

The website here has all the details,

This is the second round - the first round awarded a minimum of £8,000 to such projects as lock gates at Bacton Woods, North Walsham and Dilham Canal, a new play area in Dereham, and a nature trail in the middle of Lowestoft.

John added: “This is a great opportunity for community groups to get funding.

For details log on to www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/tescocommunityscheme/pages/large-grants-tes