Deadline: 28-Jul-21
The East Suffolk Council is pleased to launch the Nature First Small Grants Scheme to voluntary and community groups to apply for funding to support projects that help promote biodiversity in east Suffolk.
The Nature First small grants fund is provided by East Suffolk Council on behalf of the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum and is available for projects that specifically contribute to the enhancement of local biodiversity and/or its understanding and appreciation by the local community. Eligible projects may include work to restore existing habitats, creation of habitats, provision of nesting / roosting places for birds, pollinators and other animals, or activities to help local people of any age learn about and enjoy their local biodiversity.
Areas
The Council would like to see significant progress in East Suffolk in each of the following areas:
- Active travel – Walking and cycling are improving the physical and mental health and enhancing quality of life and the environment. Low emissions travel dominates.
- Eco-friendly development – Designed to limit environmental harm, meet changing needs of occupants, cope with changes to the climate and feel part of the wider natural environment.
- Energy generating homes – Existing buildings are retrofitted to be part of a smart energy system, they are net generators with very little under occupancy.
- Environmentally beneficial employment – Decent work and an economy that works for all. Organisations recognise local sense of place and how a healthy environment benefits employers and employees.
- Healthy humanity – People are connected with their community and supported by functioning education and care systems which are free at point of use.
- Nature first – Nature’s value is recognised by the majority, visitors are attracted because of it and everyone actively cares for it.
- Pollution free environment – Use of plastics is tightly controlled and everyone takes responsibility to reduce the impact of their activities on the environment.
- Quality food – People can access good quality, healthy, tasty food. Food that is grown and farmed in ways that minimise negative impacts and maximise positive impacts on natural resources.
- Upcycling culture – People are borrowing, repairing, reusing and buying wisely to limit environmental harm. Products are designed to circular economy principles.
Type of Activities
Examples of the type of projects this fund can help with include:
- Hedgerow planting and restoration
- Wildflower planting
- Tree planting
- Provision of nesting / roosting places for bats, birds and other animals
- Community gardens / orchards
- Community-based local awareness raising campaigns
- Projects to boost learning opportunities for young people
Funding Information
It is anticipated that a typical funding application will be in the range of £250- £1,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any constituted “not for profit” community or voluntary group
- Registered charities (registered with the Charity Commission)
- Voluntary organisations or social enterprises
- A local branch of a national community / voluntary sector organisation
- Statutory Organisations that work across East Suffolk, or in a number of community partnership areas, can apply, but only for projects or activities which support an area’s priorities and are delivered in that community partnership area specifically
- Town Councils and Parish Councils
- Village Hall/Recreation Ground Committees
For more information, visit https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/east-suffolk-greenprint-forum/supporting-community-environmental-action/nature-first-small-grants-scheme/
