Shoppers who buy special wildflower seed packets in our food stores will be supporting more than 20 green space projects.
The environmental groups and good causes, which include schools, community gardens and new play parks, have been chosen as Community Champions.
They’ll be supported during the environment quarter of the scheme, which runs until the beginning of September. A donation will be made every time a member shops in a Lincolnshire Co-op outlet. Fundraising by colleagues and the carrier bag levy go into the pot, too.
The seed packets are available throughout July and August in exchange for a suggested £1 donation, raising further funds and helping people support wildlife like butterflies and bees.
The Salvation Army also has clothing banks at 37 of our outlets. The charity splits money raised from these banks with Lincolnshire Co-op, and our share will also go towards the total.
All the projects chosen as green space Community Champions have plans to grow and give back to communities using the money they receive.
Community Engagement Manager Sam Turner said: “The money raised through the Community Champions scheme will help these green spaces do all sorts of things, from sharing skills or maintaining woodland to creating play parks and learning spaces.
“We’re excited to support them because they give so much back to their communities. They’re a place for people to meet, grow produce or simply enjoy the outdoors, while also preserving land for Lincolnshire’s wildlife.
“Perhaps most importantly, they’re also teaching future generations about the environment.”
The green space projects which are this quarter’s Community Champions are:
Castle Wood Academy, Gainsborough – developing an environmental space for children and people in the community.
Healey Road Wildlife and Education Centre, Scunthorpe – turning unused land into a pond-dipping area and sensory path with disabled access.
Centre4, Grimsby – a community hub with plans to create a horticultural area.
Woodland Workout team, Market Rasen – renewing picnic benches and maintenance.
Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council – creating a new play park for the community.
Green Synergy, Lincoln – developing a community garden.
Fosse Way School friends, Lincoln – an outside reading area and classroom.
Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln – adding more musical instruments, footpaths, wildflower planting and woodland maintenance.
Wellingore Parish Council – memorial park to commemorate John Gillespie Magee Jr.
Burgh Angling Society and Community Nature Reserve – creating a water bore hole, a reception and classroom space, net dipping area and disabled facilities.
Hubbard’s Hill Trust, Louth – repairs after an increase in visitors and other work.
Billinghay Community Group – creating a community garden with seating.
Swaton Parish Council – developing a new play park.
Boston Woods Trust – adding a wooden trim trail in Grange Woods.
Long Sutton Primary School – creating a wild learning zone and pathway for walks.
Gosberton Community Action team – upgrading and refurbishing the playing field and reinstate the summer fayre.
1st Foston Scouts and Conservation Group – installing a water butt and guttering to support plant growing.
Friends of Sconce and Devon Park, Newark – adding a sensory garden and play trail.
Noddle Hill Nature Reserve, Hull – development and ongoing maintenance.
Raincliffe Wood, Scarborough – continuing work to make the woods, events and benefits sustainable.
The Community Orchard, Hunstanton – new tools and a natural play area for young children.
Support kicked off with the Big Co-op Clean in June, with members and colleagues mucking in during volunteering events.
To find out more, visit this page.