Organizers of biodiversity initiatives are being encouraged to apply for grants as the Nature First small grant scheme officially opens for its third round of funding. Initiated in 2021 by the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum with financial support from East Suffolk Council, the scheme has previously allocated a total of £19,727 to 26 projects in the district over the past two years.
Councillor Sally Noble, East Suffolk Council’s Green Party cabinet member for the environment, emphasized the grants’ intent, stating, “These grants are designed to support communities in improving local biodiversity.” Eligible projects can range from habitat restoration and creation of new habitats to establishing nesting or roosting sites for birds and pollinators, as well as educational activities that promote awareness about biodiversity.
Among the notable projects that have benefited from the scheme is the Pathways Care Farm, which developed raised beds and conducted a course to teach students, parents, and staff at Beccles Primary Academy about organic vegetable cultivation. Additionally, the Saxmundham Green Team acquired tools to enhance their ongoing conservation endeavors, and the Waveney Bird Club constructed an eight-meter high tower at the Eels Foot Inn to provide nesting opportunities for swifts.
Addressing the pressing concerns around biodiversity loss, Councillor Noble added, “Collaboration is crucial to tackling climate change, and every positive action can make a difference. I strongly urge groups eager to make a contribution to apply for this financial assistance, which can help build resilience and drive change in the face of the biodiversity and ecological emergency we are experiencing.”
Jane Healey, chair of the Greenprint Forum, expressed her enthusiasm for relaunching the scheme, saying, “I am delighted to relaunch this Small Grant Scheme Nature First, which has already benefited various local projects actively taking steps to support nature. I hope it will aid both existing and emerging projects that align with the Greenprint Forum’s vision for an East Suffolk where the value of nature is widely recognized, attracting visitors and inspiring everyone to care for it.”
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