The Small Grants Programme: Supporting Local Ideas That Grow

Rochelle Shanthakumar introduced the committee to our Small Grants Programme, which has already supported over 30 community-led projects across London in 2025.

These aren’t big-budget developments or top-down interventions. They’re small, creative, deeply rooted initiatives that respond directly to local needs, led by people who know their communities best.

Some of the projects making a difference:

• Camden Cartographies – A participatory workshop series reconnecting long-time Camden residents with their neighbourhood, using storytelling and mapping to imagine a more inclusive, greener future.
  
  
• DIY Greenhouses & Micro-Gardens – Helping Londoners build their own growing spaces, often for the first time.
  
  
• Denmark Hill Allotment Compost Hub – Turning food waste into fertile soil, with community-led workshops on composting and urban food growing.
  
  

“It’s inspiring to see the change that people can make when given the tools and trust to design or create something where they live,” said Rochelle.

These projects don’t just improve the local environment—they spark conversations, strengthen and bridge communities, and create ripple effects of action and pride.

From Parks to Streets: A Bigger Vision for a Greener City

While Rochelle spotlighted the local detail, Mark Cridge zoomed out to offer a wider lens on the role of parks and nature in London’s future.

He reminded the committee that this month marks six years since London became the world’s first National Park City, a recognition of both our city’s rich natural heritage and the potential we hold to do things differently.

“Half of London still isn’t green, healthy or wild,” said Mark.
“The real opportunity is taking what we’ve learned from our parks and applying it to the rest of the city—our streets, estates, rooftops and riversides.”

Mark highlighted how parks are not just places to visit, but launchpads for imagination, civic action, and urban climate resilience. He spoke about:

• The importance of nature for nature’s sake, including often-overlooked habitats like acid grassland on Tooting Common
  
• How green space improves everything from air quality to mental health
  
• The work of volunteer Rangers, who support, design and lead projects in the places they know best
  
• The need to make green space access equitable, so everyone—not just those living near leafy parks—can benefit
  
  

What’s Next?

London National Park City will continue to support people-powered change across the capital through:

• The Small Grants Programme funding Ranger Projects
• The expansion of our Ranger Network