Norfolk Rivers Trust, WWF and Aviva launch fund to support community groups to access nature
Thursday November 7th, 2024
Norfolk Rivers Trust, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and Aviva have come together to launch the second round of the Aviva Access to Nature Fund, to support groups in accessing Norfolk’s rivers and countryside.
Nature gives us so much; from the food we eat, to the air we breathe, and just 20 minutes in nature can boost your mental wellbeing [1, 2].
New research for WWF [3] recently revealed that almost 9 in 10 (89%) of UK public say that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental health. However, many local people face barriers to accessing Norfolk’s rivers and countryside, such as transportation issues, costs, isolation, or simply not knowing where to go. Everyone deserves access to nature’s incredible benefits; that’s why Aviva, Norfolk Rivers Trust and WWF have created a fund to provide opportunities for more community groups and schools to connect with nature.
The first round of the Fund, which took place earlier this year, supported 25 groups, schools and charities in exploring and connecting with natural spaces. Activities included local wildlife surveys, outdoor crafts, visits to nature reserves, and guided river walks and boat trips.
Tim Fisher, Volunteer and Engagement Officer at Norfolk Rivers Trust said “This fund offers a wonderful opportunity for community groups, charities and schools to explore Norfolk’s diverse landscapes, including rare chalk streams, broads, fens, wetlands, coastal habitats, and heathlands. By removing barriers like transportation, entrance fees, equipment, clothing and even access to guide leaders, the first round of the fund enabled over 860 people to experience the joy of Norfolk’s landscapes, and we’re excited to reach even more!”
Lucy Lee, Chief Advisor UK – Conservation Programmes at WWF-UK said “We know that spending time in nature is the most common mood-boosting activity for the UK public, but we also know that UK nature is in crisis. For the past three years, WWF has been working with Norfolk Rivers Trust and Aviva to restore landscapes in East Anglia, and we are delighted to bring back the Aviva Access to Nature Fund to enable more people to visit and experience Norfolk’s beautiful natural spaces. We encourage everyone to get their ‘daily dose’ of nature and remember how vital it is that we protect and restore our natural spaces – because when we restore nature, nature restores us.”
Lynsey McMaster-Green, Sustainability Partnership Manager said “Spending time in nature delivers so many benefits so it is brilliant to see the Aviva Access to Nature Fund return to support even more communities access the Norfolk countryside. By working with the Norfolk Rivers Trust and WWF, we can help groups who might otherwise struggle to enjoy Norfolk’s rivers and countryside to experience the beauty of nature.”
The Aviva Access to Nature Fund will provide funding from £150 to £1,500 for visits taken between March and November 2025. Community groups, clubs, schools and charities experiencing barriers to accessing nature will be able to apply for funding to support volunteering opportunities, leisure, wellbeing and educational visits, with the Fund covering costs such as transport, educational resources and activities. The application window is open from the 30th of October 2024 to the 31st of December 2024. Forms can be completed digitally or over the phone by visiting www.accesstonature.co.uk. A panel of experts in business, nature recovery, and access and diversity in the countryside will shortlist the successful applicants.
More information and eligibility criteria can be found here.
