A new scheme to help community groups, charities, and organisations with their gardening/growing projects is under way.

Ashfield District Council has launched a Community Growing Grant Scheme aimed at supporting ideas that get people engaged with nature-based activities to improve their mental and physical health.

Community groups in Ashfield could be eligible for a grant of up to £500 to buy equipment, seeds and plants, venue hire, transport, and staff and volunteer training.

A spokesman said: “An organisation that supports mental health and physical health through gardening might need a new planter, a group which grows food for a foodbank on an allotment could need more seeds for the new growing season, or a community garden project may require some tools for more people to use.

To be eligible for the grant, the growing-based project must provide one or more benefits to residents and the community. Benefits include, but are not limited to, improving access to food, improving mental and physical health, creating befriending opportunities, reducing food waste, improving biodiversity, and access to educational opportunities.”

To apply and for information go to www.ashfield.gov.uk