SiGN is working with 6 community groups across Sunderland to create small, accessible and usable green spaces in order to help groups deliver their aims and to beneift the wider local community. The overall aim is to provide sites in the middle of urban communities where people can access nature, learning about, improving and appreciating their local natural environment. Local volunteers are engaged in designing and creating their own greenspaces.

The need for green open space is an acknowledged element of a sustainable community. Whilst there are beautiful countryside sites and city- managed parks in and around Sunderland, there are also many under-used and under-valued green spaces in local neighbourhoods. SiGN responds to the need to recapture the value of these local spaces - to sit, relax, play, meet and have the chance to connect with nature - and to enhance the sense of belonging and community around them.

Over three years, the six sites will be set up by CEED and community volunteers, management plans and committees created and the sites handed over to the community. CEED will have a watching brief to undertake any maintenance.