Grants of up to £50,000 for projects and schemes that improve lives, champion heritage and support communities are available from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme Capital Fund.

Applications should be submitted by the end of February at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk

One project that has already been helped by the fund is Feel Good Gardens (above), near Kings Clipstone.

The ongoing social gardening project, which promotes the health and wellbeing of people who are lonely and isolated through physical and mental health issues, was awarded more than £17,000.

It is converting portable cabins into a large classroom, putting in power to polytunnels, laying new flooring in the buildings, and other improvements, including a wood workshop, at Forestry Holdings.

Organiser Clare Heyting said: “There is an abundance of evidence that shows that gardening and community gardening benefits health, fitness and wellbeing, particularly for older, disabled and isolated people, and people living with long-term health conditions.

“We plan to benefit as many people as possible through our work parties and social events.”

The improvements will are being matched funded by Lottery Awards For All and other smaller funders.