SOMERSET towns and villages are being offered help from National Grid to create or improve green spaces that can be enjoyed by communities.

Support is available to develop parks, gardens, open spaces, raised flower beds, and living walls in public areas.

National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED) Community Matters Fund is also offering money to improve accessibility to green spaces by creating paths, ramps, and seating, as well as projects to boost biodiversity, including bee hives, ponds, tree, hedge, and wildflower planting.

Grants of up to £5,000 are of offer for registered charities, while unregistered organisations can apply for up to £2,000.

Access to green spaces is widely recognised for being mentally and physically restorative, reducing stress and anxiety.

Projects supporting under-served or vulnerable groups to overcome barriers to benefiting from natural settings are particularly encouraged to apply.

NGED’s head of environment and sustainability, Laura Bartle, said: “As environmental challenges continue to grow, protecting and enhancing green spaces has never been more important.

“These spaces play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, improving health and wellbeing, and creating more vibrant, connected communities.

“We all have a part to play in caring for the environment around us and we are proud to support initiatives that help protect and enhance green spaces for the future.”

In total, NGED is offering £250,000 to support communities across the Westcountry, the Midlands, and South Wales to enhance local environments and create healthier, more connected places.

Charities and community groups can find out more about how to apply for funding online.

Organisations which complete applications will be informed of the outcome by the end of July, with funds distributed to successful applicants in the month of August.

Projects must be delivered, and funding spent by December 31

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, June 26.