Back to nature scheme bankrolled

The Access to Nature initiative will provide grants of up to £500,000 to create "nature havens" across the country. The scheme will particularly target city dwellers who have little contact with the countryside and promote the sale of locally-grown food.

Launching Access to Nature at Chichester's West Dean Gardens, Titchmarsh, 58, said: "Nothing gives me greater pleasure than getting close to nature so I am delighted to support this scheme which is going to increase opportunities for many more people to do just that."

The cost of the scheme has been borne by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest distributor to National Lottery good causes, through its £234 million Changing Spaces programme.

"Learning about and caring for our environment has never been more important and I think this is an excellent use of lottery money, bringing our communities together to rejuvenate existing, as well as creating new natural places," said Titchmarsh, currently presenting The Nature of Britain, an eight-part series for BBC1.

The scheme will be run by Natural England, created from the merger of English Nature and parts of the Countryside Agency.

Chairman of Natural England Sir Martin Doughty said: "Everyone, wherever they live, whatever their background, should be able to enjoy our natural environment. The Access to Nature grant scheme will increase the opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about our rich natural heritage."

Those eligible to apply range from voluntary groups and gardening clubs, to schools and local councils. Due to the size of the grants available - from £50,000 to £500,000 - Natural England says it expects smaller organisations to form partnerships and bid together.

Sir Clive Booth, chairman of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "This initiative is about engaging communities in the improvement of their local environments, promoting wellbeing, regenerating green spaces and supporting the growing and use of local food.

"The Natural England scheme aims to provide 1.7 million people with improved opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this scheme in communities across England."