Transform it Greater Manchester

Whether you fancy planting trees in your local park or think you can tackle the job of creating a community garden then there are people to join, or groups who can help. If you are pushed for time you can still make a difference by telling your council why you care about the space near your home.

		Get Involved Find out what people are already doing to make a difference in your area - you might want to join them click here				Start a Project Inspired by the stories you have read? Start your own project - find organisations to advise & support you. click here
		Get some Money A great idea needs cash to get it off the ground. There are lots of grants available to help you do that. click here				Kick up a Fuss It's not just down to you to care for the area where you live. Does your local authority need reminding of how important open space is to you and your neighbours? click here

Get Involved

Find out what people are already doing to make a difference in your area – you might want to join them

Red Rose Forest

Red Rose Forest is an environmental regeneration initiative in Greater Manchester and is one of twelve community Forests being developed in England. The organisation's broad remit, including derelict land restoration and community cohesion, is delivered through projects that unite the private sector, government and non-government organisations and local communities. Tel: 0161 872 1660 www.redroseforest.co.uk

Groundwork North West

Groundwork is a leading environmental regeneration organisation, working across the UK in partnership for the benefit of local people, the local environment and local business. Groundwork North West is the central point for the 14 Groundwork Trusts in the North West. Each year these Trusts are actively involved in over 1,200 regeneration projects in the North West region. Tel: 0161 237 3200 www.groundwork.org.uk/north-west

BCTV North West

Get active - go to BTCV North West for a huge range of opportunities to take hands-on action to improve the rural and urban environment. BTCV North West has a list of groups near you that carry out practical conservation work – from hedge lying to litter picking. Find out if there is a group near you who that you can join to help improve your neighbourhood. Tel: 01772 204 647 www.btcv.org

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside works with local people, schools and communities to raise awareness of environmental issues and to protect and enhance areas of local wildlife value. Projects actively involve local people and allow for many volunteering opportunities within Local Nature Reserves, school grounds, community gardens, parks and allotments creating ‘Productive Landscapes’. www.wildlifetrusts.org

Friends of Parks Groups

Did you know that Parks had Friends? Friends of Parks Groups work with Park Managers to decide how a park should be cared for - and sometimes get stuck in and help with the work themselves. Plug in your postcode to Green Space’s Community Register to find a list of groups near you. Tel: 0118 946 9060
www.green-space.org.uk/CommuntiySection/national_register.htm

do-it.org.uk

The only national database of volunteering agencies in the UK, do-it has a searchable database, so you can easily find opportunities for improving the environment near you. You can also look up your local Volunteer Bureaux if you would prefer a personal visit to the volunteers’ equivalent of a recruitment consultant.Tel: 020 7226 8008
www.do-it.org.uk

GreenSpace

One of the UK’s leading advocate for the economic, social and environmental benefits of better planned, designed and managed parks, gardens and green spaces and for their positive contribution to our economic, physical and spiritual health, to social cohesion and to biodiversity.
GreenSpace’s Community Network is a resource designed specifically to be used by community groups working with parks and green space across the UK. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Community Network unites for the first time all the community based organisations across the country that have an active interest in parks and green space. The network promotes communication between groups, provides a base to disseminate examples of good practice drawn from around the country and acts as a support system to help raise your capacity.
Tel: 0118 946 9060 www.green-space.org.uk or www.green-space.org.uk/CommuntiySection/cnp.htm

Greenspace Learning Network

An online resource managed by the Countryside Agency for people managing green spaces close to homes. http://greenspace.net.countryside.gov.uk

The Civic Trust

Civic Societies are voluntary groups that champion the cause of urban Britain by acting to improve the places where people live and work: the everyday 'built environment'. They also undertake practical projects, including restoring old buildings, improving the quality of public places and finding solutions to traffic problems. The Civic Trust is the national body for nearly 900 Civic Societies – find out if there is one in your town. Tel: 020 7170 4299
www.civictrust.org.uk/csocs/regions/map.shtml

TimeBank

TimeBank is a high profile national campaign inspiring and connecting people to give and share time. Current projects include Changing Streets, helping people to take charge of their own streets to make a real difference, and TimeBank's Youth Project, which aims to empower and support young people in turning their ideas about community improvements into reality.Tel: 0845 601 4008 www.timebank.org.uk

CSV Environment

CSV Environment helps people improve the areas where they live and work. Local projects range from practical conservation work to food growing and Healthy Walking projects. Companies can also get help to find ways to contribute to the communities in which they are based. Tel: 0121 322 2008. www.csvenvironment.org.uk

National Centre for Volunteering

An essential on-line resource for potential volunteers and anyone seeking up to date information on volunteering, with a section on environmental and conservation volunteering. Tel: 020 7520 8900 www.volunteering.org.uk/volunteer/environmentconserve.htm

Sustrans

Sustrans works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects. Sustrans' flagship project is the National Cycle Network. Volunteer Community Rangers act as the 'eyes and ears' for Sustrans. They ride their route regularly to monitor signing and report potential dangers. Tel: 0845 113 0065 www.sustrans.org.uk/webcode/content.asp?ID=162&

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust, the UK's leading conservation charity, needs volunteers to help protect, improve and expand the UK's precious woods. There’s a huge range of things to do and one (or more!) might tempt you, including being their ‘eyes and ears’ as a woodland warden, tree planting, becoming a voluntary speaker, a photographer or a researcher. Tel: 01476 581135 www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/getinvolved/index.htm

Set up your own project!

Inspired by the stories you have read? Set your sights high and start your own project – there are lots of organisations to advise and support you

Red Rose Forest

Red Rose Forest is an environmental regeneration initiative in Greater Manchester and is one of twelve community Forests being developed in England. The organisation's broad remit, including derelict land restoration and community cohesion, is delivered through projects that unite the private sector, government and non-government organisations and local communities. Tel: 0161 872 1660 www.redroseforest.co.uk

Manchester Leisure

Manchester Leisure is the arm of Manchester City Council responsible for the city’s parks, allotments and play areas. They can offer information and advice.Tel: 0161 953 2450 www.manchester.gov.uk/leisure

CTAC (Community Technical Aid Centre)

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Manchester City Council
and the Association of Gtr Manchester Authorities, the CTAC works to support community and voluntary groups who want to develop and implement projects to improve their local environment or community facilities. Tel: 0161 236 5195 www.ctac.co.uk

Arid Lands

The Arid Lands & Sustainable Communities Trust help disadvantaged communities tackle their own social, economic and environmental problems through practical action, creating secure community spaces, particularly ones for food growing. To see an example of an Arid Lands project visit the Urban Oasis garden at Appletree Court, Salford on one of their open days - contact Betty Burton on 0161 743 9233 for details.Tel: 01422 843807

CITE (Commissions in the Environment)

CITE is an art commissioning and advisory agency that advocates art in the public realm, especially in the context of urban and rural regeneration. Tel: 0161 228 1400 www.citeuk.org

HMG Paints Ltd

HMG Paints is a family owned business based in Greater Manchester, which has been involved in a variety of environmental improvement projects. As well as offering the use of environmentally improved areas to local schools, HMG Paints can offer advice based on the experience of completed projects.Tel: 0161 205 7631

Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens

Fancy meeting some urban sheep or teaching children about where their food comes from? Visit a City Farm! The Federation of City Farms can provide details of City Farms and Community Gardens across the country. Why not visit with some friends or neighbours for some inspiration before creating your own urban sanctuary? Tel: 0117 923 1800 www.farmgarden.org.uk

Greenspace Learning Network

An online resource managed by the Countryside Agency for people managing green spaces close to homes. http://greenspace.net.countryside.gov.uk

Black Environment Network

BEN works to enable full ethnic participation in the built and natural environment. Reaching out to ethnic communities in order to stimulate participation and working to support mainstream organisations so that they may gain the necessary awareness and skills to work effectively with ethnic communities. Tel: 01286 870715
www.ben-network.org.uk

Citizens Connection

Thought of a way to improve your area? Have you got a project that needs help to make it happen? Find the information and advice on every step you need to take to get your initiative going and to make it succeed whether it's a small project, a campaign, a charity or a responsible business.
www.citizensconnection.net/xsp/xsc.asp?uri=/home

Common Ground

Common Ground is a charity that encourages people to stand up for their place. Common Ground pioneers imaginative ways of ‘reweaving’ the local world. They aim to inspire people to join in exploration of the richness in everyday places, popular culture, common wild life, ordinary buildings and landscapes and to go on to become actively involved in their care. Tel: 44(0)1747 850820 www.commonground.org.uk

Groundwork North West

Groundwork is a leading environmental regeneration organisation, working across the UK in partnership for the benefit of local people, the local environment and local business. Groundwork North West is the central point for the 14 Groundwork Trusts in the North West. Each year these Trusts are actively involved in over 1,200 regeneration projects in the North West region. Tel: 0161 237 3200 www.groundwork.org.uk/north-west

Community Action Network

Fancy yourself as a social entrepreneur? Social entrepreneurs are the equivalent of true business entrepreneurs but they operate in the not-for-profit sector building 'something from nothing' and seeking innovative solutions to social problems, including environmental improvement. CAN members learn from each other and enjoy a wide range of services and benefits provided through CAN's London headquarters and its UK wide network of Regional Directors. Tel: 0845 456 2537 www.can-online.org.uk

Community Development Foundation

The Community Development Foundation helps communities achieve greater control over the conditions and decisions affecting their lives by supporting community work of all kinds. They do this through networks, links with experts, working with other organisations and management of local projects.
Tel: 020 7226 5375 www.cdf.org.uk

Community Matters

Community Matters is the nationwide federation for community groups. They promote and support action by ordinary people in response to social, educational and recreational needs in their neighbourhoods and communities. CM publishes factsheets on everything from Organising a Carnival to Equal Opportunities, and their Consultancy service can give more in depth advice. A free Telephone Advice Line can answer relatively short queries on 08707 272 373 from Monday - Friday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Helpline Tel: 08707 272 373 www.communitymatters.org.uk

Home Zones

Home Zones are an attempt to strike a balance between vehicular traffic and everyone else who uses the street, the pedestrians, cyclists, business people and residents. This site offers advice on setting up a Home Zone from legal matters to appointing consultants.www.homezones.org

Living Streets

Living Streets are the champions of streets and public spaces for people on foot. They work on practical projects to create safe, vibrant and healthy streets for all. Communities can also identify the priorities they would like for their local streets and put their case to the local council, using Living Streets’ community street audit system.
Tel: 020 7820 1010 www.livingstreets.org.uk

Millennium Volunteers

Ever wanted to build on what your into? If you're 16-24 some Millennium Volunteers schemes can help you to set up your own project. MV encourages youth-led projects; if you’ve got a good idea that would be of benefit to your community, find your local project online and get in touch to discuss your ideas - they may be able to support you. www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk

The Sensory Trust

The Sensory Trust promotes and implements environmental design and management to ensure opportunities for access, learning and involvement are available to everyone. It provides information, offers advice, influences policy, assists professionals, showcases good practice, organises user testing by disabled people, provides training/education and develops projects. www.sensorytrust.org.uk

National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service

What is a CVS? A Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) is a voluntary organisation which is set up, owned and run by local groups to support, promote and develop local voluntary and community action. CVS support their members by providing them with a range of services and by acting as a voice for the local voluntary and community sector. Find details if your local. CVS on the NACVS website. Tel: 0114 278 6636 www.nacvs.org.uk

National Federation of Cemetery Friends

The National Federation of Cemetery links over fifty groups of volunteers dedicated to preserving their local cemeteries. Where appropriate the cemetery friends undertake practical work in the cemetery, develop the recreational and educational aspects with tours, publications and open days, as well as conserving the wildlife areas. No phone number for information www.cemeteryfriends.fsnet.co.uk

National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners

This Society aims to help all enjoy gardening and so promote their health, education and community fellowship. They support the formation of gardening associations, and advise gardeners on a range of issues from the closure of allotments to bonfires and water supplies. Tel: 01536 266576 www.nsalg.demon.co.uk

Open Spaces Society

The Open Spaces Society protects common land and public rights of way. If you know of a blocked public path or encroachment on common land, or you want to register a 'new' green, they can help you. Their publication, Making Space (£5) advises on protecting and creating open space for local communities.
Tel: 01491 573535 www.oss.org.uk

Trees for Cities

Trees for Cities is an independent charity supporting city-wide tree planting and greening initiatives in urban areas of greatest need; their aim is to stimulate a greening renaissance in cities around the world.
Tel: 020 7587 1320 www.treesforcities.org

VolResource

VolResource aims to make it quick and easy to get to useful information on anything to do with running a voluntary organisation (whether a community group, charity or other non-profit body). www.volresource.org.uk

Get some money!

A great idea needs cash to get it off the ground. There are lots of grants available to help you do just that.

•  Funding sources

Living Spaces

Living Spaces provide grants to help people to improve open spaces in their neighbourhood. It can help create and improve a huge range of spaces from playgrounds and community gardens to local parks and nature areas. The application process is simple - as long as your space is in England, is open to the public and near to where people live you could benefit from a grant of up to £25,000, and extra support from a trained local advisor. Tel: 0845 600 3190 www.living-spaces.org.uk

People’s Places Award Scheme

This scheme is open to community groups across England. It offers local people a chance to make a difference to their community by creating or improving a 'people's place' such as a pocket park or sensory garden. Awards are targeted at areas of deprivation and disadvantaged groups. Funds offered are between £3,000 and £10,000.
Tel: 01491 821621 www.btcv.org

Awards for All

Awards for All is a grants programme set up to help small groups and local communities. Awards for All gives grants of between £500 and £5000 in a simple straightforward way.
Tel: 0845 600 2040 www.awardsforall.org.uk

Environments for All

Environments for All is giving more people the chance to look after their local environment, helping with the money needed to do this, and involving people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. Environments for All aims to work with over 18,000 people and 5,000 community groups in the first three years.
Tel: 0121 464 5881 http://www.btcv.org/efa/

Viridor Credits

Offers £5,000 to help local people transform local areas of underused land into fantastic environmental schemes. As long as your project is enhancing the local environment and is particularly accessible it could be rewarded a grant, from butterfly gardens to wildlife areas.
Tel: 01823 327 221 ww.viridor-credits.co.uk

Biffaward (Landfill Tax Credit Scheme)

The Biffaward offers grants (from £250 to £500,000) to projects, which provide and improve public amenities for communities within 10 miles of a Biffa operation. In addition, it funds projects that increase or maintain wildlife and habitat conservation. Tel: 0870 036 1000 www.biffaward.org

Forestry Commission Woodland Grants Scheme

The Woodland Grant Scheme gives grants to create new woodlands and manage existing woodlands. The Scheme also offers Challenge Funds in which you can bid for money to carry out work in existing woodlands in specified areas of the country. Tel: 0131 334 0303 www.forestry.gov.uk

Public Parks Initiative

This initiative helps not-for profit organisations with the restoration and regeneration of historic parks and gardens, including urban squares and cemeteries. Projects should also enhance public access and may involve improving facilities. Tel: 020 7591 6042 www.hlf.org.uk

Ethnic Minorities Award Scheme (BEN)

This small scheme is aimed at schools, community groups and individuals undertaking projects which concern the environment and involve people from ethnic communities. BEN is an environmental group that focuses on working with deprived ethnic communities offering consultancy and training.
Tel: 01286 870715 www.ben-network.co.uk

Hanson Environment Fund (Landfill Tax Credit Scheme)

The Hanson Environment Fund offers grants (from £250 to £25,000) to projects that improve public amenities within 10 miles of a Hanson operation. In addition it funds projects that increase or maintain biodiversity and certain projects that promote or implement recycling and reuse of waste. 0870 036 1000 www.hansonenvfund.org

Lloyds TSB Foundation

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England & Wales is a grant-making trust, which makes donations to charities. They aim support and work in partnership with charitable organisations which help people, especially those who are disadvantaged or disabled, to play a fuller role in communities throughout England and Wales.
Tel: 0870 411 1223 www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk

CRED Programme

CRED (Community Recycling and Economic Development Programme) distributes funding on behalf of the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund in England. CRED awards grants, between £50,000 and £300,000, to recycling, reuse and composting community projects in England. Deadline for applications is September 2005.
Tel: 0870 036 1000 www.rsnc.org/cred/

The Community Fund

The Community Fund gives Lottery money to charities and voluntary and community groups. They give grants mainly to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society and also to improve the quality of life in the community. Corporate Office - Tel: 020 7747 5300 www.community-fund.org.uk

Nationwide Foundation

The Foundation makes charitable grants to UK based organisations whose aim is to improve the quality of life and the range of opportunities for those in need. Through its grants they seek to promote social inclusion and achieve real and sustainable benefit to communities.
Tel: 01793 655113 www.nationwidefoundation.org.uk

• Advice on funding

Fundinginformation.org

fundinginformation.org is an online fundraising information resource for charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and other not for profit organisations throughout the UK.
Tel: 0191 232 6942 www.fundinginformation.org/

Directory of Social Change

Need help to raise funds? The DSC provides advice to voluntary and community organisations on:
How to raise the money they need
How to manage their resources to maximum effect
How to influence the right people
What their rights and responsibilities are
How to plan and develop for the future.
Tel: 020 7391 4800 www.dsc.org.uk

Institute of Fundraising

The Institute of Fundraising support its members through training, networking and the dissemination of best practice.
Tel: 020 7627 3436 www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

Kick up a fuss!

It’s not just down to you to care for the area where you live. Does your local authority need reminding of how important open space is to you and your neighbours?

Your local councillor

Your local council is probably responsible for most of the open space near your home.To find out the name of your local councillor click here to go to the iCan website and enter your postcode at the botom of the page, then why not download this letter and send it off! www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ican
download a word document click here

Your local MP

Write to your MP and tell them that you want the Government to make open spaces a priority
Tel: 020 7219 4272 www.locata.co.uk/commons
download a word document click here

Your local newspaper

Getting some publicity can help get things moving. Write to your local paper to tell them why you care about parks and open spaces.
download a word document click here