The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) have announced that four parks across the UK are to receive a share of nearly £9.5m as part of the Parks for People (PfP) initiative.

Full grants have been awarded to restoration schemes at parks in Stoke Newington, London; Bracknell, Berkshire; Moggenhanger, Bedfordshire; and Preston, Lancashire; following a two-stage application process. Clissold Park and House in Stoke Newington has received the largest share of funding, with a grant of nearly £4.5m towards restoration work and the creation of new visitor facilities. A section of the New River and the park's animal enclosure will also be improved, while a new play and wheels park area will be established.

South Hill Park in Bracknell has been awarded £2.3m to fund the restoration of the terrace garden, the conservation of forest areas and improvements to the southern lake. A number of smaller projects, including the restoration of the amphitheatre and improved wildlife habitats, will also be carried out. Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston will undergo the second phase of a restoration scheme after receiving £1.75m, while Moggerhanger Park in Bedfordshire will benefit from a grant of £960,000 for a scheme to reinstate the park's original design.

HLF chair Dame Jenny Abramsky said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund's money has already done so much to revitalise more than 500 of the country's parks. This new investment means that many more people will enjoy using a park which has been transformed by Lottery-players' money." Sir Clive Booth, chair of BIG, added: "These historic parks require a lot of maintenance, modernisation and care, and today's investment will ensure that people of all ages can enjoy them and reap the benefits to their mental and physical well-being.

"Regeneration will help to protect the environment on our doorsteps and safeguard these precious green spaces for future generations." Image: Clissold House, Stoke Newington