Grants of up to £500 are available for wildlife projects in Devon

Independent charity Devon Communities Together (DCT) has announced the launch of the second round of the Community Wildlife Grant scheme.

The first round was so successful that sponsors Devon Environment Foundation doubled the pot, giving community organizations £10,000 to contribute even more to wildlife in Devon.

The scheme was developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to provide small grants of up to £500 for community conservation projects.

The aim of the grant scheme is to provide an easy way for community groups to access small amounts of funding to start up their groups and initiatives, as well as access advice, equipment and other resources.

Amanda Keetley, chief executive of the Devon Environment Foundation, said: “DEF was delighted to see how many community wildlife projects were launched or expanded last year thanks to the new Wild About Devon scheme. We are delighted to be able to double our funding this year to support even more positive action for nature in Devon.”

“This is a great opportunity for communities to come together and support wildlife in their local area,” said Rod Birtles, project manager at DCT. “This could be by creating or restoring wildlife space or through monitoring and education. Projects could take place in gardens, parks, green spaces, cemeteries, orchards, ponds and ditches, buildings and more. We are excited to be supporting Devon communities to deliver the many long-term benefits for wildlife.”

In the previous round, 27 community organizations used funds to create 15 new wildlife groups, restore neglected habitats and create new ones, and set up local wildlife monitoring.

Applications are open to parish and town councils, community groups and community partnerships wishing to fund initiatives that will benefit local wildlife. This includes funding a new idea, continuing an existing project or starting a new group.

Guidance for applicants can be found at: www.devoncommunities.org.uk/projects/wild-about-devon-community-wildlife-grant-scheme-2023

The program is run by Devon Communities Together and has been funded by Devon Environment Foundation, DCT and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of their joint commitment to help tackle the environmental emergency.