Posted by on 16 June 2021 | Comments

East Suffolk Council continues to put the environment first as voluntary and community groups are invited to apply for funding to support projects that help promote biodiversity.

East Suffolk Council has today launched the Nature First Small Grants Scheme on behalf of the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum.

The aim of the scheme is to support the Council’s environmental vision in building the right environment for East Suffolk by funding projects that contributes to the enhancement of local biodiversity and/or its understanding and appreciation by the local community.

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.

Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:

“This scheme is just another example of how East Suffolk Council puts the environment at the heart of everything it does. Not only are we leading the way with our ‘Pardon the weeds, we’re feeding the bees’ initiative, we’re encouraging and enabling local people to get involved in enhancing and protecting our local environment so that we can all work together to build the right environment for East Suffolk and environmentally sustainable communities.”

Jane Healey, Chair of the Greenprint Forum, said:

“I am really pleased to launch this Small Grant Scheme Nature First to local community and voluntary groups. I hope that this proves to be of benefit to existing, emerging and new nature-related projects alike, that contribute 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 will run over four phases during 2021/22, offering grants of up to £1,000. The first application period is now open until 28 July 2021 and full details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found online.

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.