Nature projects benefit from community fund cash

Landowners, groups, organisations and individuals with big ideas on taking action for nature and people have been awarded £60,000 from a community fund set up by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Following two rounds of applications in October and December last year, 27 bids were selected from across the Peak District to receive financial support for projects that aim to make a difference to the local area, communities and help restore nature.

Among the successful applicants were projects to create ponds and wetlands, reintroduce species, create new and improved habitats, install bat/bird/hedgehog houses increase accessibility to nature and wild spaces, and develop community led projects and events to connect people with nature and encourage them to make long lasting change.

Hollie Davis, Wilder Connections officer for Wild Peak at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting local people with the funding to develop their ideas and make them a reality on their doorstep.

“Every application showed how individuals and groups of people are coming together to think of creative ways to make more space for nature in their local area and make them better for the people who live or visit there.

“As a key provider and protector of wildlife in Derbyshire, our priority is to ensure that our schemes deliver the most effective solutions for society and nature, so we are excited to see how these projects develop over the next year and beyond.”