The National Lottery Community Fund has launched a £10m fund in Wales to improve the health of babies and young children by connecting them with nature.

Meithrin Natur, which means nurturing nature in English, aims to promote the use of “therapeutic and transformative effects of the natural environment at the earliest stage of a child’s development”.

Charities are urged to apply for funding as part of partnerships for programmes that better link young children with their environment.

This can involve running early years activities within parks, wetlands, near rivers, playgrounds, allotments and nature reserves.

Partnerships are likely to involve early years organisations with those with experience of the environment.

“We want to fund innovative projects that will co-produce their alongside children and families every step of the way, leading to some truly life-changing initiatives,” said the funder.

The NLCF has allocated £10m in funding over seven years through the programme.

On offer are grants of £25,000 to develop projects. Partnerships can then apply for up to £2m to deliver their project for up to six years.

The deadline for applications is 12pm, 1 December.

“Research shows that time spent in nature boosts children’s wellbeing, health, and happiness,” said NLCF Wales committee chair Dr Simone Lowthe Thomas.

“Yet, barriers like poverty, location, and discrimination often limit access - especially for those most in need.

“The funding programme aims to fund partnership projects that bring early years activities into green spaces—parks, wetlands, gardens, playgrounds, and more.

“These partnerships can help unite early years organisations with environmental experts, and crucially, involve children and families in shaping the projects to reflect local needs.”

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