Earlier this year, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP), community groups across Plymouth were invited to bring their ideas to life with the launch of the Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme, helping people connect with, enjoy and protect Plymouth Sound.
The new scheme, launched by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will run over the next three years, supporting grassroots organisations to develop and deliver their ideas through grants of up to £2,500, and in special cases up to £5,000. These grants are designed to help people access, explore, and better understand the marine park and its blue spaces, such as our rivers, seas, lakes and coastal waters, places that support nature, connect us with Plymouth’s rich maritime heritage. Blue spaces are vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. Plymouth Sound sits at the heart of these blue spaces, and the Blue Sparks programme aims to help even more people experience, enjoy, and learn about them.
Since launch, the programme has seen an impressive response, with many community groups applying for grants. This success prompted the
Heritage Fund to double the Blue Sparks allocation from £20,000 to £40,000, enabling more projects across the city. From creating art that celebrates Plymouth’s heritage to improving local blue spaces, these grassroots initiatives have each put forward applications which will support Plymouth Sound National Marine Park’s mission to make Britain’s Ocean City accessible and enjoyable for all.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: The Blue Sparks grants are a fantastic way for local groups to get involved with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, bringing community-led projects to life that help people enjoy, learn about and protect the waters on our doorstep. Whether it’s getting young people involved in ocean activities or celebrating our maritime heritage, this programme will help more people connect with the Sound in new ways. We are delighted that The National Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated an additional £20,000 to Plymouth community groups and look forward to seeing the successful applicants when announced”
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the people and communities it belongs to. That’s why we’re proud to support the Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme as part of our continued partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Thanks to National Lottery players, this initiative will empower local people to celebrate, protect and connect with the incredible marine and natural heritage on their doorstep. We’re excited to see the creative and meaningful ways Plymothians will bring Britain’s Ocean City to life.”
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park: Britain’s First
Plymouth Sound is home to the UK’s first National Marine Park, celebrating and protecting the vibrant waters, wildlife and heritage of our local seas while ensuring they can be enjoyed by everyone. From the bustling waterfront and historic naval docks to thriving seagrass meadows and a rich maritime history, the National Marine Park is about making Plymouth’s blue spaces accessible to all, supporting health and wellbeing, driving the local economy and tackling the climate emergency.
Covering over 8,600 hectares of ocean, estuaries and coastline, the National Marine Park is home to thousands of marine species and plays a vital role in Plymouth’s identity and future. Through community projects, learning opportunities and initiatives like Blue Sparks, the National Marine Park is working to ensure Plymouth’s marine environment is protected and celebrated for generations to come.
The launch of Blue Sparks is part of the wider five-year Heritage Horizon Award project, supporting the development of the UK’s first National Marine Park with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched The Heritage Horizon Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative and transformational projects that revolutionise UK heritage. These awards help transform lives and local economies, place the UK at the forefront of major environmental and heritage projects, and show confidence in the heritage sector to rebuild and thrive. As part of this, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park received £11.6 million to help revolutionise the way Plymouth connects with its marine heritage.