North Muskham Parish Council Awarded £208,000 from UK government Community Ownership Fund to preserve North Marsh Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire

A nature reserve is among over 70 community assets, including historic theatres, pubs and museums, to receive a boost of government funding.

These projects will share in the latest £25m package of levelling up money through the Community Ownership Fund, with the aim of ensuring that places important to communities can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

North Muskham Parish Council have been awarded £208,000 through the fund to purchase and preserve North Marsh Nature Reserve, so that people can continue to access the green space and take part in activities such as ecologist-led field walks.

MP for Newark, Robert Jenrick, said: "Great news that North Muskham Parish Council has been awarded £208,000 in funding from the £150 million Community Ownership Fund, a fund that I created as the Secretary of State for Local Government.

"The funds will be used by North Parish Council to acquire and protect the North Marsh Nature Reserve, ensuring that the local community can continue to access and enjoy this vital green space.

"The Community Ownership Fund, integral to the UK Government's levelling up agenda, empowers communities across the United Kingdom to take charge of cherished local assets, fostering a sense of ownership and safeguarding them from closure.

“The initiative exemplifies the commitment to supporting everyday infrastructure that holds deep significance for local communities, including community centres, pubs, and sporting facilities.

"This positive news underscores the impact of the fund in enriching and supporting communities like ours, across the country."

Other project around the country to be saved using the latest round of the Community Ownership Fund will include; 26 community centres and village halls; 14 creative buildings including museums, theatres, cinemas, music venues and art galleries; 12 sports and leisure clubs; 3 commercial buildings for vital community shops, including a rural post office; 8 community pubs; and 4 parks and green spaces.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove, said: “Investing in communities improves lives, whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day.

“These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities.

“The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home and I’m delighted to be funding these projects.”

The next funding window of the Community Ownership Fund is now open for bids and will close on January 31, 2024.

Projects are able to apply for up to £2 million in funding.