Groundwork gets a share of £33m pot

Environment and training charity Groundwork is one of 30 national organisations to share a £33 million investment to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

The Our Bright Future scheme will see 31 youth-led projects each receive around £1 million of Big Lottery Funding to give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environments.

In Oldham and Rochdale, Groundwork will work with 14 to 19-year-olds on schemes to encourage younger people to take ownership of their local environment and drive improvements.

The first scheme has focused on ponds in Sholver, where youngsters have been learning about their ecosystem and ways to improve it.

Groundwork education officer Dene Marland said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative programme, which is set to change the lives of young people across Oldham & Rochdale.”

Groundwork will also work with local schools and colleges to help tackle climate change with tree planting and “grow your own” sessions.