Nature features

Breathing Places is a three-year BBC campaign to inspire people to create and care for green spaces where they live - from neighbourhood parks, school grounds and workplaces to local nature reserves. These places are great for people and wildlife and it aims to transform thousands of places across the UK. The closing date for the applications is in December -

Suffolk Wildlife Trust are working with the BBC as partners in the campaign and say the funding will really help local groups. "So far we've been involved with more than 250 projects which have resulted in around 1,000 hectares of community owned land being managed for both the enjoyment of local people and the benefit of wildlife. But there is still a lot to be done; the new Big Lottery Fund grant will be invaluable in helping people take action," says SWT community projects adviser Tracey Housley.

Castle Hill Allotments

BBC Radio Suffolk has been highlighting some groups in the county who are hoping to develop or who already have created their own breathing places...

In Charsfield near Wickham Market, a group of villagers have bought the land for their self-designed "sensory wildlife park". They just now need a bit of extra cash to complete the transformation and will be applying for a breathing places grant.

The Castle Hill allotments in Ipswich have won awards this year - they took over some very overgrown and derelict land and now have 150 plots with a wildlife and wildflower area in the middles. There is a waiting list and the local schools all visit regularly.

BBC Radio Suffolk would love to hear from you if you are creating your own Breathing Space in the county, and you can find out more about projects and events by ringing Suffolk Action on 01473 340740 or by signing up to the Breathing Places newsletter at www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces