The recent news that a further £20 million has been committed by The Big Lottery Fund for the UK's public parks and cemeteries illustrates just how valuable an asset to the community green spaces such as these truly are.

And the custodians of these green hearts of our towns and cities, the council, amenity and contractor turf pros across the the country, shouldn't be overlooked in what a tremendous job they do. Often on limited budgets, keeping these areas well groomed and presentable for us all to enjoy may not be as glamourous as tending the pitch at a sporting arena on the world stage, but for the local people who get to enjoy these spaces they mean just as much. Hopefully this new injection of funding will guarantee some of those parks which may have fallen short of their potential in recent times, can be revived to former glories.

The Parks for People programme in England provides grants of between £100,000 and £5million to restore and rejuvenate historic parks and cemeteries. Organisations can apply for funding for projects that repair heritage features, open new facilities and run volunteering and activity programmes, involving the community in the running of the park. The Heritage Lottery Fund also makes available a significant sum for projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As Peter Ainsworth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said, “Green spaces are vital to the happiness and health of our communities."

Certainly for families based in our urban centres, parks act as their green lungs. As a space for play, relaxation and contemplation, their importance can't be over-stressed.

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF, then summed it up by saying, “Parks are rightly among the UK’s most highly valued and well-used public spaces and inspire much local pride. There is increasing demand on National Lottery players’ money but I’m sure they will welcome the continuation of this productive partnership with the Big Lottery Fund. Our 'Parks for People' programme plays a major part in ensuring these precious green sanctuaries thrive. I hope even more communities across the UK will come forward to bid for a share of this funding.”

Applications for the next round of Parks for People funding are now open until 29 February 2016 and the first grants from this new investment will be awarded in June 2016. If you are involved in the upkeep of a park which would benefit from this kind of investment, don't delay in taking advantage of the scheme.