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26 Jan 2012
M&S and Groundwork launch @myurbangreen
Marks & Spencer and Groundwork have recently announced the launch of @myurbangreen – a campaign to reconnect communities with their environment by being actively involved in shaping the future development, maintenance and management of their local green spaces.
By September 2012, this national 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.
Community groups will be supported by a regional network of Groundwork green space experts who will be funded by M&S. They will be on hand to help with tips and ideas on how to identify and respond to local needs, recruit volunteers and design and deliver activities and events that raise the profile of their work.
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. Project 100 was right here in Sheffield – the Hickmott Road pocket park which is due to be completed by the end of March.
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."
Sir Tony Hawkhead, Groundwork Chief Executive, added: "In Groundwork’s experience, people are very passionate about their community gardens, parks and play areas and value the many benefits they provide. However, now, more than ever before, we need to find increasingly creative ways of protecting these much loved local spaces.
"@myurbangreen will create a network of communities across the UK that have the skills, confidence and necessary expert support to roll up their sleeves and respond to local green space issues."
In Sheffield, we’re working with the Friends of Millhouses Park and the Sharrow Vale Community Association to support them in maintaining their patches – which both include areas which have benefitted from M&S Greener Living Spaces funding. The funding will also facilitate our ongoing delivery of volunteer sessions in various parts of the city, with a particular focus on maintaining Sheffield’s waterways. Community groups interested in finding out more are invited to contact Hellen Hornby on 0114 263 6420.
Follow the progress of this national programme on Twitter: @myurbangreen
