Two local councils have invested over £1million into their communities to support local projects that improve their residents’ health and wellbeing and foster a sense of pride.
Over the past two years, South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils have awarded £1,072,827 through their Pride in Place Grants. A huge figure, which has been match funded by the benefitting communities, with a further £1,122,339 investment.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, Cllr Kim Carsok, said: “The grant’s impact has been felt all over the district, with scores of community projects flourishing. By working closely to support our communities and responding to their needs, we now have better facilities that are bringing people together, improving their wellbeing and making a huge difference to the lives of our residents.”
Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said: “Without a doubt, this funding will leave a lasting legacy in our communities. It has helped improve green spaces, secured the future of our most-valued community buildings and ensured that residents have the community facilities and services in place to thrive.”
In total, the councils awarded 88 grants, which supported 43 projects in Broadland and 49 projects in South Norfolk.
The funding was used for a range or projects that improved local people’s quality of life, such as improvements to community buildings, creating greater sustainability through green infrastructure, rejuvenating outdoor spaces such as play areas and green spaces, improving outcomes for young people and celebrating local heritage.
One such scheme to benefit was Yelverton Pond Project (see featured image above). Work on the village pond had been underway since 2017, when long-time resident Ted Cullum inspired a local team of volunteers to restore the once much-loved beauty spot. The project, began with tree and hedge reduction, and removal of a diseased ash tree. Excavation revealed the pond’s clay bottom, and volunteers planted new saplings, creating a wildlife sanctuary.
Last year, South Norfolk Council awarded the Parish Council a grant for £19,584.50 from the Pride in Place fund to create a new accessible seating area and now this beautiful haven can be enjoyed by everyone.
Jeremy McNulty, Chair of the Parish Council, said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who made this project possible and to those who will continue to maintain this valuable community asset. We would like to thank the Pride in Place team for their support and guidance throughout the entire process from application of funds to completion. We could not have achieved this significant project without the Council’s help.”
The fund also helped Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust to purchase the central 7.4 acres of Buckenham Wood (23.4 acres), a designated Ancient Woodland and a County Wildlife Site (CWS), which would otherwise have been sold on the open market.
Broadland District Council awarded the Trust £25,000 from the Pride in Place Fund to secure the land. Ownership has enabled the Trust to secure substantial funding to develop a 20-year strategy and 10-year management plan that will lay the foundations for conserving this ancient woodland, enhancing its biodiversity and maximising its enjoyment by neighbouring communities and visitors for many years to come.
During this project, the Trust has nearly quadrupled its membership, from 31 in March 2024 to 119 by the end of 2024. Approximately 40% of members have signed up to one or more of the volunteer groups.
Councillor Harpley added: “We are very lucky to have such wonderful volunteers, who really want to make a difference to where they live and take such pride in their communities. Thank you to everyone who has helped bring these projects to life and created a legacy that will be appreciated by many generations to come.”
The Pride in Place Grant was funded through central government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The scheme has now closed. For more information about other funding that is available, please visit www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/communities/community-funding
