GRASS roots charities or community groups with projects to protect or improve the environment can apply for grants of up to £2,000 from a Wessex Water fund being run by Dorset Community Foundation.
The Wessex Water Environment Fund, which is open for applications until May 18, supports that improve local biodiversity or have a positive impact on the local environment .
DCF Grants Manager Ellie Maguire said: “The projects we support must either involve communities in environmental activities that benefit their local area, restoring, maintaining or enhancing the natural environment, or engage people in supporting the local natural environment.
“The main focus of this programme is on achieving positive outcomes for the environment and on activities that have a direct environmental impact.”
“Groups eligible are those with charitable aims, registered charities, and community interest companies with an annual income of less than £500,000. Schools and parish councils can apply if they can show community benefit to their project.”
Among the recipients from the previous grant round last May, was Grounded Community, which received £2,000 to train extra volunteers for its community composting project on the roof of the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe.
Since the scheme launched in 2021, it has diverted more than 19 tonnes of food waste from landfill or incineration and supplied over 12 tonnes of compost to food growing projects.
The PCC of St Michael and St Gabriel Hamworthy used a £1,000 grant to provide a year of activity within Bluebell Community Woodland and the tools, equipment and green resource to engage with more than 400 individuals, families and groups.
Trustee Ruth Dollerson said the grant has increased the wood’s biodiversity, fostered wider community involvement and participation in enhancing, restoring and maintaining the wood through practical activity.
“Our projects aim to increase biodiversity: planting and re-naturalising ground flora, invasive species removal, maintaining the health of mature trees; and habitat creation activities for birds, bats, butterflies and insects,” she said. “This will upskill community groups and volunteers to be able to further support the local natural environment.”
By engaging large numbers of volunteers in all aspects of monitoring and management of the river we increase peoples awareness and enjoyment
The River Char Action Group was awarded £1,998 to carry out bacterial monitoring to isolate specific pollution sites. Chris Lakeman Fraser from the group said the sampling would make the Charmouth beach river lagoon safer for bathers. “By isolating sources of pollution this will lead to a reduction in pollution by changes in land use with subsequent increase in biodiversity,” he said. “By engaging large numbers of volunteers in all aspects of monitoring and management of the river we increase peoples awareness and enjoyment.”
Corfe Castle CE Primary School and Pre-School used a £688 grant to run a nature club, to organise walks, tree planting and journal keeping for pupils. “It creates young nature ambassadors who can help volunteer and take action for nature – also educating others by being excellent advocates and ambassadors for the nature recovery programme on the Isle of Purbeck,” said a school spokesman.
Ellie said: “We’re looking forward to seeing more fantastic projects this year. Applicants must have an average annual income of less than £500,000 for the last three years. This programme is targeted at organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.”
Full criteria and application advice can be found here.
Pictured: A community composting workshop run by Grounded Community at the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe, volunteers at the Bluebell Community Woodland in Hamworthy and The River Char Action Group volunteers carrying out bacterial monitoring
