Portsmouth City Council has secured £895,818 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the city into a nature positive destination over three years.
The council successfully bid for Nature Towns and Cities funding, which will be invested in enhancing Portsmouth’s green infrastructure for the benefit of both residents and wildlife. The initiative aims to position Portsmouth as an officially recognised Nature City whilst attracting additional external funding.
Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, commented: “As we approach 2026, Portsmouth’s Centenary Year, this funding will help us understand how we can work with residents and communities to achieve our bold ambition to make Portsmouth a nature positive city, where the benefits of nature can be enjoyed and support the health and wellbeing of residents.
“We can only achieve this by working in partnership, and the council is delighted to be working with Southern Water, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Historic England and Shaping Portsmouth. We know facing the environmental challenges of the future requires strong collaboration.”
Due to Portsmouth’s dense population, the city’s essential green spaces are fragmented by roads and buildings. The funding will help connect these areas by identifying opportunities for new green infrastructure including rain gardens and trees, establishing wildlife corridors.
The investment will build upon recommendations from a developing Urban Forest Master Plan, enabling the council to collaborate with residents, landowners and others citywide to develop a resilient treescape featuring diverse species resistant to climate change, pests and disease. This will support climate change mitigation by providing shade and cooling through water vapour release and rainwater absorption.
Through partnerships with local environmental groups, charities, communities and businesses, the council will develop shared understanding of creating a well-adapted Portsmouth, resilient to increasing climate hazards including heatwaves and intense rainfall causing surface water flooding. Focusing on key city areas will direct green infrastructure investment where most needed, addressing inequalities.
Community groups will receive support through small grants, training and mentoring. Businesses will also be encouraged to participate, accessing support and advice.
The transformative project commences in October 2025, with further details to be announced.
Residents are encouraged to help young trees survive current heatwaves by watering those near their homes or workplaces.
