The Blue Spaces programme set out to support people and organisations to take imaginative approaches to looking after their freshwater environments. Read our report from Jenny Wheeldon, Esmée’s Blue Spaces Manager, with the collective learning of everyone involved – from the funding process to the different approaches of the 19 funded projects, and the learning programme co-designed with them.
Since launching Blue Spaces in 2022, we‘ve made 26 grants, totalling £4.1m, supporting 19 fantastic organisations to develop creative ways to take action on local rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Many of the projects involved cross-sector partnerships that included arts organisations, community groups, private and public sector organisations as well as environment NGOs. The projects have also come together to share their skills and experience, build capacity, connections and collaborations that over time will help them to scale up their efforts.
We are grateful to all the participants in the programme for their energy, enthusiasm and generosity in sharing their insights. We also want to say a big thank you to the Involving Young People Collective, who have been a core part of Blue Spaces. Their experience of community co-creation and youth-led change enriched Esmée’s decision-making and helped the Blue Spaces partnerships explore how to engage with underrepresented voices.
Download or view the report in full screen. We're hosting a webinar on 11 December to discuss the learning from Blue Spaces. Learn more and register here.
What next and let us know what you think
The report shares more about what next for our support for Blue Spaces – particularly in terms of community-led action. Learning from Blue Spaces also informed Esmée’s 2025 mid-strategy review of our progress on freshwater.
Do let us know what you think. You can email us at communications@esmeefairbairn.org.uk.
Personally, I will shortly be ending my secondment to Esmée. It has been a great adventure – a challenging and joyous exploration with people across the UK who are passionate about freshwater. I’m excited to see what the Blue Spaces partnerships do next and I’ll go back to my day job freshly inspired with ways to restore rivers for people and wildlife.
