Groundwork Five Counties

Groundwork Five Counties is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving local communities and the environment across five counties: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. Founded in 1990 (originally known as Greater Nottingham Groundwork Trust), the organisation operates under charity number 1003426 and is part of the wider Groundwork Federation. It focuses on promoting sustainable development, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship to create a fair and green future where people, places, and nature can thrive.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of Groundwork Five Counties is to empower local communities to live more sustainably. This is achieved through three strategic objectives:

• Enabling people to improve their lives and communities by providing resources, building resilience, and empowering them to find their own sustainable solutions. This includes efforts to reduce poverty, boost confidence, and improve skills, health, wellbeing, and employability among disadvantaged groups.

• Supporting the protection, replenishment, and enjoyment of local green spaces to help wildlife and biodiversity flourish. The organisation actively engages communities in habitat restoration, climate resilience projects, and practical activities aimed at nature recovery.

• Creating opportunities for people to develop green skills that facilitate their progression into employment, volunteering, or other roles that contribute to environmental sustainability.

Activities and Services

Groundwork Five Counties delivers a broad range of training, volunteering, and practical support programs designed to promote green skills and environmental awareness. Key activities include:

• Assisting local people to improve their lives and their communities through sustainable initiatives.

• Rejuvenating and protecting green spaces, thus enabling both people and wildlife to thrive.

• Facilitating pathways into green jobs and volunteering to build a workforce committed to environmental guardianship.

• Providing services like energy efficiency improvements to enhance wellbeing and reduce household expenses.

Groundwork Five Counties emphasizes practical action and community involvement to foster positive environmental and social outcomes.

Geographic Reach

The organisation serves communities across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland, expanding its original focus beyond Greater Nottingham to support a larger population.

Governance and Legal Status

Groundwork Five Counties is registered as a charity (number 1003426) and operates as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital. It has been active since its incorporation on 12 November 1990. The charity works closely with local authorities, educational institutions, and community groups to maximise its impact.

Affiliations

As part of the Groundwork Federation, Groundwork Five Counties collaborates with other regional Groundwork trusts to further a national agenda of sustainable development, environmental justice, and social inclusion.

This article summarises key information about Groundwork Five Counties as a charitable organisation focused on empowering communities, enhancing green spaces, and fostering green skills development across five English counties.