East Suffolk Council
Funding boost for biodiversity in East Suffolk
A popular small grants scheme, aimed at grass roots projects in East Suffolk that help promote and enhance biodiversity, is being relaunched.
The East Suffolk Greenprint Forum first launched its Nature First small grant scheme, thanks to funding from East Suffolk Council, in 2021.
During the two years of the original scheme, the Greenprint Forum awarded grants totalling £19,727.19 to 26 projects across the district.
Examples of projects that received funding previously included:
- Pathways Care Farm created raised beds and ran a course to teach pupils, parents and staff at Beccles Primary Academy about growing and harvesting vegetables organically and sustainably.
- Saxmundham Green Team purchased tools to enable the ongoing conservation work in the town of Saxmundham.
- Waveney Bird Club constructed an eight-metre-tall swift tower to provide nesting opportunities for swifts at the Eels Foot in Theberton.
- Aldeburgh’s Amazing Swifts installed double swift boxes, cameras, call system and air quality sensor to Thomas Miles High School in Framingham to enable students to learn more about swifts.
- Landguard Bird Observatory purchased new nets to aid the safe trapping of migratory birds to enable the ongoing robust contribution by the observatory to national data bases.
- Greener Waldringfield delivered workshops for a cluster of neighbouring parishes to evolve strategies for nature recovery at the parish level.
Nature First small grant scheme projects 2021-2023
The aim of the scheme is to support the Council’s environmental vision, stated in its strategic plan, Our Direction, delivering positive impacts for nature by funding projects that contribute to the enhancement of local biodiversity and/or its understanding and appreciation by the local community.
Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “These grants are designed to support communities to improve local biodiversity through projects which include conservation, environmental education, nature restoration and recovery.
“Collaboration is crucial to tackling climate change and every positive action can make a difference. I would urge groups eager to contribute to apply for this financial assistance to help build resilience and be a force for change in addressing the biodiversity and ecological emergency.”
Jane Healey, Chair of the Greenprint Forum, said: “I am delighted to relaunch this Small Grant Scheme Nature First which has already benefited a number of local projects taking positive action for nature.
“I hope that this proves to be of benefit to existing, new and emerging projects alike, that contribute to progress towards the Greenprint Forum’s goal of an East Suffolk where the value of nature is recognised by the majority, visitors are attracted because of it, and everyone actively cares for it.”
The scheme is open now for applications. Eligible projects could include work to restore existing habitats or create to new ones, provision of nesting/roosting places for birds, pollinators and other animals, or activities to help local people of any age learn more about and enjoy their local biodiversity.
Nature First grant application form
Guidance for Nature First applicants
The East Suffolk Greenprint Forum is a voluntary network open to all and facilitated by the Council. It aspires to improve the quality of life in the district while reducing the impact on the environment.