Greenspace Scotland and Groundwork sign partnership agreement

The two charities have previously worked together on UK-wide opportunities including the Tesco Bags of Help grant scheme.

The partnership agreement formalises this relationship and will see both charities working closely on the development and delivery of UK-wide programmes relating to community greenspaces.

It sets out a number of key principles around collaborative working, cobranding and communications on any jointly delivered activity.

Both charities hail the signing of the agreement as a significant step towards ensuring communities across the UK continue to get the support they need at a time of significant funding reductions.

Groundwork UK chief executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’re delighted to be formalising what has always been a good working relationship with our partners at greenspace scotland.

“This strategic partnership adds real value to Groundwork’s extensive delivery capability in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as both charities have a strong track record of working in partnership with communities, businesses and government to improve quality of life through transforming local places and environments.

“By signing this agreement we’re committing to working closely to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our communities today.”

Greenspace Scotland chief executive, Julie Procter, added: “Access to greenspace makes a big difference to people’s lives – making places for children to play, improving health and wellbeing, creating stronger communities and bringing nature into our towns and cities. But across the UK there is still much more to be done to ensure that everyone enjoys the benefits of quality local greenspaces.

“We are delighted to formalise our excellent working relationship with Groundwork through this strategic partnership agreement. We’re looking forward to the new opportunities this creates for us to work together to share practice across the UK, develop innovative solutions and together deliver UK-wide community greenspace programmes - bringing real benefits to people, places and communities across the UK.”

Groundwork’s mission is to keep changing places and changing lives until everywhere is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and everyone can reach their potential.

greenspace scotland is working towards the goal that everyone living and working in Scotland has easy access to a quality greenspace which meets their needs and improves quality of life.