Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Bicker Wind Farm Trust supports community groups near Bicker Wind Farm to deliver local projects that improve the environment, promote renewable energy, support biodiversity and encourage environmental education. The Trust funds practical and educational initiatives within a ten-mile radius of Bicker Fen in the Borough of Boston, with priority often given to projects within five miles.
The Trust aims to distribute approximately £30,000 annually, with grants of up to £5,000 available. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit community groups and social enterprises, while statutory agencies, private businesses and projects that provide individual gain are not eligible.
Trust Overview
The Bicker Wind Farm Trust provides grant funding for local community projects linked to renewable energy, environmental improvement, conservation and education.
The Trust supports not-for-profit initiatives that benefit communities close to Bicker Wind Farm.
Funding is intended for projects that create practical environmental benefits, improve community spaces, support biodiversity or raise awareness about sustainable energy and environmental protection.
Main Objective
The main objective of the Trust is to support projects that promote renewable energy, efficient energy use and environmental conservation.
The Trust aims to:
- Promote renewable energy
- Support energy efficiency
- Improve the local environment
- Encourage conservation
- Enhance biodiversity
- Support habitat creation
- Promote environmental education
- Fund community environmental projects
- Encourage recycling and composting
- Support sustainable transport activities
- Raise awareness of environmental protection
Geographic Focus
Projects must take place within a ten-mile radius of Bicker Fen in the Borough of Boston.
Priority is often given to projects located within five miles of Bicker Fen.
Applicants should clearly explain the project location and how the local community will benefit.
Key Focus Areas
The Trust supports a broad range of environmental and sustainability themes.
Key focus areas include:
- Renewable energy promotion
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental improvement
- Conservation
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Habitat creation
- Environmental education
- Recycling initiatives
- Composting projects
- Sustainable transport
- Awareness-raising activities
- Community environmental action
- Efficient energy use
Funding Available
The Trust aims to distribute approximately £30,000 each year.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for eligible projects.
Applicants should request an amount that is realistic, proportionate and directly connected to the proposed activity.
What the Trust Supports
The Trust supports practical and educational community projects that conserve or improve the environment.
Eligible project types may include:
- Renewable energy projects
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Environmental education activities
- Conservation projects
- Biodiversity projects
- School-based environmental activities
- Community garden improvements
- Habitat creation
- Recycling and composting projects
- Sustainable transport activities
- Awareness campaigns on environmental protection
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
The Trust supports projects that promote renewable and efficient energy use.
Eligible energy-related projects may include:
- Solar panels
- Ground source energy schemes
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Cost-effective heating systems
- Top-up funding for eligible energy-related improvements
- Community energy efficiency measures
Funding is not available for fossil fuel projects such as oil or gas boilers.
Conservation and Biodiversity Projects
The Trust encourages projects that protect and enhance local wildlife and habitats.
Eligible biodiversity projects may include:
- Bat boxes
- Bird boxes
- Hedge planting
- Woodland development
- Fen restoration
- Pond creation
- Meadow projects
- Wildlife areas
- Ecology projects
- Sensory gardens
These projects should improve habitats, support species and create lasting environmental value for the local area.
Environmental Education Projects
The Trust may support educational activities that help people understand renewable energy, conservation and environmental protection.
Eligible educational activities may include:
- Attendance at environmental courses
- Workshops
- Environmental events
- Purchase of materials for school-based environmental activities
- Community awareness-raising projects
- Learning activities linked to recycling, composting or energy efficiency
School-related projects should generally be submitted by organisations such as Parent Teachers Associations rather than directly by education authorities.
Community Facility Improvements
Community facilities may receive support for environmental improvements to their grounds or outdoor spaces.
Eligible improvements may include:
- Ponds
- Wildlife areas
- Ecology spaces
- Sensory gardens
- Habitat areas
- Environmental learning spaces
- Community green space improvements
Projects should show clear community benefit and environmental value.
Recycling, Composting and Sustainable Transport
The programme may support environmental schemes that encourage more sustainable community behaviour.
Examples include:
- Recycling initiatives
- Composting projects
- Worm farms
- Cycling activities
- Health walks
- Community sustainability projects
These activities should help reduce environmental impact and encourage practical climate-friendly habits.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations that support community activities.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Community groups
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Social enterprises
- Parent Teachers Associations for school-related projects
- Local groups delivering community environmental projects
Applicants must show that the project benefits the local community and fits the Trust’s environmental or renewable energy objectives.
Who is Not Eligible?
The Trust does not support:
- Statutory agencies
- Private businesses
- Projects that provide individual gain
- Equipment that ultimately benefits an individual
- Fossil fuel projects such as oil or gas boilers
- School projects submitted directly by education authorities
Applicants should ensure that the proposed project is community-focused, not-for-profit and environmentally aligned.
What Makes a Strong Project?
A strong project should deliver clear environmental benefit within the Trust’s geographic area.
A suitable project should:
- Improve the local environment
- Promote renewable energy or energy efficiency
- Support conservation or biodiversity
- Benefit the wider community
- Be practical and deliverable
- Avoid fossil fuel-based solutions
- Provide educational or awareness-raising value where relevant
- Show long-term benefit beyond the grant period
Why This Fund Matters
Local environmental action is essential for building greener, more resilient communities.
Small grants can help community groups install renewable energy systems, improve habitats, create outdoor learning spaces and encourage sustainable behaviour.
The Bicker Wind Farm Trust matters because it directs funding from a local renewable energy context into practical community projects that promote sustainability, conservation and environmental awareness.
Expected Results
Supported projects may contribute to:
- Improved local environmental quality
- Increased use of renewable energy
- Better energy efficiency
- Enhanced biodiversity
- New or improved wildlife habitats
- Stronger environmental awareness
- More sustainable community spaces
- Increased participation in conservation activities
- Better understanding of efficient energy use
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based systems
How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should prepare a clear proposal that explains the project, local benefit, environmental value and budget.
Step 1: Confirm Location Eligibility
Applicants should confirm that the project is within a ten-mile radius of Bicker Fen.
Projects within five miles may receive priority.
Step 2: Confirm Applicant Eligibility
Applicants should ensure they are a not-for-profit community group or social enterprise supporting community activity.
Statutory agencies and private businesses are not eligible.
Step 3: Define the Environmental Purpose
The application should clearly explain how the project will improve the environment, promote renewable energy, support conservation or increase awareness.
Step 4: Identify the Project Type
Applicants should state whether the project focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, biodiversity, education, recycling, composting, sustainable transport or community environmental improvement.
Step 5: Prepare a Realistic Budget
Applicants may request up to £5,000.
The budget should clearly show how funds will be used and why the costs are necessary.
Step 6: Show Community Benefit
The proposal should explain who will benefit and how the project will support the local community.
Projects should avoid individual gain and should provide wider community value.
Step 7: Explain Long-Term Impact
Applicants should describe how the project will continue to benefit the environment or community after the grant has been spent.
Step 8: Avoid Ineligible Costs
Applicants should ensure the project does not involve fossil fuel systems, private business benefit, statutory responsibilities or equipment for individual gain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:
- Applying for a project outside the ten-mile radius of Bicker Fen
- Failing to show community benefit
- Requesting funding for fossil fuel projects
- Applying as a statutory agency
- Submitting a project that benefits a private business
- Requesting equipment that creates individual gain
- Providing a weak environmental link
- Not explaining the renewable energy or conservation benefit
- Submitting a school project directly through an education authority
- Asking for more than £5,000 without justification
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should:
- Clearly show the project location
- Explain the environmental problem being addressed
- Demonstrate local community benefit
- Connect the project to renewable energy, conservation or energy efficiency
- Include realistic costs
- Show practical outcomes
- Highlight biodiversity or carbon reduction benefits where relevant
- Include educational value if applicable
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability
- Avoid fossil fuel-based solutions
FAQ
1. What is the Bicker Wind Farm Trust?
The Bicker Wind Farm Trust provides grants for local community projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, environmental improvement and environmental education.
2. How much funding is available?
The Trust aims to distribute approximately £30,000 annually, with grants of up to £5,000 available.
3. Where must projects be located?
Projects must be within a ten-mile radius of Bicker Fen in the Borough of Boston. Priority is often given to projects within five miles.
4. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit community groups and social enterprises supporting community activities may apply.
5. Are statutory agencies eligible?
No. Statutory agencies are not eligible to apply.
6. What types of projects are supported?
Supported projects may include renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, biodiversity projects, habitat creation, environmental education, recycling, composting, cycling activities and community environmental improvements.
7. Are oil or gas boiler projects eligible?
No. Funding is not available for fossil fuel projects such as oil or gas boilers.
Conclusion
The Bicker Wind Farm Trust supports local community groups that want to improve the environment, promote renewable energy and strengthen conservation within the area around Bicker Fen.
With grants of up to £5,000 and approximately £30,000 distributed annually, the Trust is well suited to practical projects such as solar panels, habitat creation, environmental education, recycling, composting and biodiversity improvements.
Applicants should prepare clear proposals that demonstrate local relevance, community benefit, environmental impact, eligible costs and alignment with the Trust’s focus on renewable energy, conservation and efficient energy use.
For more information, visit Lincolnshire Community Foundation.