Marks & Spencer together with environmental charity Groundwork has launched a new campaign called @myurbangreen. The campaign is aimed to reconnect urban communities with their environment by being actively involved in shaping the future development of their local ‘Greener Living Spaces’, created by M&S and Groundwork over the past three years.

Photo: @myurbangreen, from www.groundwork.org.uk

The program has great goals to reach till September 2012. It is to deliver at least 850 community green space activities and events, motivate 135,000 people to care for their local green space and support 300 ‘Friends of’ or other community groups to increase their capacity to support local urban green spaces.

M&S is funding Groundwork, whose green space experts help communities with tips and ideas on how to identify and respond to local needs, recruit volunteers and design and deliver activities and events that raise the profile of their work.

Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer, said:

«@myurbangreen is a new, exciting programme that will create a dynamic legacy in communities across the UK for the ‘Greener Living Spaces’ we have created with Groundwork. It will help local people take ownership of their green spaces and ensure they are fit for everyone to enjoy. It’s simple and effective way for our customers to get involved in supporting their local communities.”

@myurbangreen events has launched at St James’ Church in New Farnley, Leeds, on January 15. 60 members and friends of the 8th South West Leeds Scout Group were cleaning up the churchyard, cutting back vegetation and, then, having a winter picnic.

Groundwork also will help to implement a «Transform Your Patch’ campaign launched by PepsiCo and Britvic.