A £500,000 fund that, amongst many other things, brought Heswall's 'Wildflowers on the Puddydale' project into being, is to return next year.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has approved a further £500,000 to bring back Mayor Steve Rotheram's Community Environment Fund for 2022 with a view to making the scheme larger and self-sustaining through private sector backing.

More than 150 bids were received for this year's successful pilot with 58 projects chosen to share the £500,000 pot.

Schemes were delivered between March and September and included composting, the creation of an edible wall, work to restore habitats, climate education and the creation of a garden to help elderly people with physical and mental health issues.

Applications for Phase II funding will start early next year – with grants available for high impact community environment projects throughout the city region.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said, "Tackling climate change, improving the air that we breathe and saving our planet is the single biggest challenge that we face, and it will take enormous collective action to correct. It isn't just about the actions of big organisations or ordinary members of the public – it's about both.

"We're working non-stop to accelerate the Liverpool City Region's transition to net zero. We are developing the potential of massive energy projects like Mersey Tidal Power and have recently attracted major green investment in schemes like HyNet and Ford's decision to manufacture new electric engines at Halewood. But it's important we play our part as individuals too.

"Taken together, lots of small actions can make a massive difference. And that is exactly what the Community Environment Fund is all about: empowering our communities to take action in their own areas. It is a fantastic example of how devolution allows us to support projects that matter to local people.

"I have visited many of the projects that we funded and witnessed first hand the difference they have made to local communities. From educating our children on the importance of biodiversity and air quality, to beautifying our streets with wildflower meadows and urban beekeeping. I'm excited to see what other schemes people from across our region will bring forward this time around!"

The 2022 fund's objectives will be to:

- Develop opportunities for environmental education to encourage long-term behavioural change