UP TO £5,000 in community grants are available to groups which are aiming to protect, enhance or celebrate globally rare habitats.
The Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme is asking groups to come forward with project ideas focused on the area's chalk streams.
These streams hold incredible value for people and wildlife alike, with species such as the kingfisher, brown trout, water vole, and white-clawed crayfish all thriving along these ‘gin-clear’ waters.
The scheme was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and covers areas that includes the Pillhill Brook, Upper Anton, Bourne Rivulet, Upper Test, Candover Stream, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream.
Funded projects must take place within this area and meet one of two aims. They must improve the condition of locally important chalk stream habitats, or their associated built heritage, and enable people to explore, enjoy, and learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the streams.
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Kathryn Boler, Watercress and Winterbournes Partnership manager, said: “The communities around our chalk streams play a crucial role in shaping their future. Many local people have amazing ideas for how to protect, enhance, and celebrate these precious habitats – we'd love to hear from passionate groups with the drive to bring their vision to life. These grants are possible thanks to National Lottery players, so we’d like to thank them too.”
Applications are welcomed from schools, parish councils, registered charities, and Community Interest Companies. Voluntary and community groups are also eligible, providing they are constituted and have their own bank accounts. The proposed activities should be accessible to or beneficial for the wider public.
If successful, applicants will receive up to £5,000 in funding and will have one year to bring their project to completion.
The projects funded so far have been varied, and include a scheme by Andover Trees United to connect communities with the Upper Anton through artist-led walks and musical performances.
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The deadline for the current round of funding is Monday, October 3, but interested groups are encouraged to express interest as soon as possible. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found on the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website: hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes/communitygrants.
The scheme team can also be contacted at winterbournes@hiwwt.org.uk
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