Celebrating 30 Years of the Landfill Communities Fund

02/10/2026

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF), a unique funding programme that has transformed communities and enhanced the natural environment across the UK since its launch in 1996.

Over the last three decades, the LCF has enabled more than 60,000 community, heritage and environmental projects to be delivered, with over £1.7 billion invested in local facilities, historic buildings, public spaces and nature recovery initiatives.

The scheme was created to ensure that communities located close to landfill sites could benefit from investment in projects that improve local areas and protect the environment. Since then, it has become one of the UK's longest-running environmental funding programmes.

FCC Communities Foundation's Contribution

FCC Communities Foundation is proud to have played a significant role in the success of the Landfill Communities Fund.

Over the last 30 years, we have awarded more than £287 million through the Landfill Communities Fund to support over 8,500 projects across the UK.

These projects have helped communities create and improve public amenities, restore and protect important habitats, conserve heritage assets and enhance local facilities used by millions of people each year.

From village halls and community centres to nature reserves, parks, playgrounds, churches and historic buildings, Landfill Communities Fund grants have helped to create vibrant places that continue to benefit people long after the funding has been spent.

Thirty years of Impact

Throughout October, we will be celebrating 30 years of the Landfill Communities Fund by sharing some of the projects, people and places that have benefited from FCC Communities Foundation funding.

Each week will focus on a different theme, highlighting the breadth of impact delivered through the programme:

Public Spaces

Creating and improving parks, playgrounds, sports facilities and green spaces for communities to enjoy.

Community Facilities

Improving the buildings and spaces at the heart of local communities.

Nature Recovery

Enhancing biodiversity, restoring habitats and supporting wildlife conservation.

Heritage

Protecting and restoring historic buildings and places of cultural significance.

Alongside these themes, we will share examples of projects, large and small, that demonstrate how funding through the Landfill Communities Fund has helped create lasting environmental and community benefits.

Celebrating the People Behind the Projects

The Landfill Communities Fund is a testament to the vision behind the scheme, the commitment of funding organisations, the support of landfill operators and, most importantly, the thousands of community groups, charities and volunteers who have transformed ideas into reality.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we thank everyone who has contributed to the programme's impact over the last 30 years and look forward to sharing more of the stories, projects and achievements that have shaped its legacy.