Wiltshire biodiversity improvement grant

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Please note:

We regret that we are unable to offer this grant at the present time, but if you wish to register an interest please contact Vicky Roscoe countryside@wiltshire.gov.uk so that we can contact you as soon as the situation changes.

In 2002 a partnership of organisations published the Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which sets out a vision and framework for the conservation and enhancement of Wiltshire’s habitats and species.

The BAP Partnership, which includes Wiltshire Council, is now involved with putting the plan into action and achieving its targets for habitat and species conservation.

Wiltshire Council’s Biodiversity Improvement Grant is a scheme, awarded on merit, which is one of the ways developed to play a part in the carrying out of the BAP.

The aim of the grant scheme is to allow small-scale practical projects to be a part of the conservation of Wiltshire’s special wildlife and landscape heritage. Ideally the project should promote social or amenity benefits to the local community and community engagement.

What sorts of projects are eligible?

Suitable projects must add to Wiltshire’s biodiversity and landscape value by assisting with habitat creation, restoration, and/or appropriate management.

Suitable types of projects include:

• planting and management of hedgerows;
• species rich grassland creation/management;
• pond restoration;
• tree and shrub planting;
• management of veteran trees and riparian pollards;
• habitat creation for protected species; and
• dry stone wall restoration.

To team up and work with other organisations in relation to biodiversity improvements, this scheme does not support projects eligible for funding from other sources.

Projects not normally grant aided are those:

• within the Great Western Community Forest where grants are available from Swindon Council.
• required through the land use planning system;
• funded through or falling within the criteria for DEFRA’s schemes; and
• falling within criteria for the Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme.

How much might I get?

Projects must cost between £300 and £3,000. Eligible projects will be grant aided up to a maximum of one third of the total project cost, so the maximum grant payable on any one application is £1,000. Multiple applications will not be accepted once the maximum cost has been reached.

Volunteer time can be used to contribute to the total project cost.

All applications will be treated on a first come/first served basis.

Last updated: 6 October 2011