www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Wiltshire Biodiversity Improvement Grant
An information leaflet and application pack for the Biodiversity Improvement Grant Scheme can be obtained from the County Council on 01225 713425 or countryside@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Introduction
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 Biodiversity Action Plan Partnership, which includes Wiltshire County Council, is now involved with implementing the Plan and achieving its actions and targets for habitat and species conservation.
The Wiltshire Biodiversity Improvement Grant is a discretionary scheme that is one of a number of measures developed by Wiltshire County Council to contribute to the implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan.
The aim of the grant scheme is to enable small practical projects to contribute to the conservation of Wiltshire’s special wildlife and landscape heritage.
Project Funding - Eligible Projects
Suitable projects will enhance Wiltshire’s biodiversity and landscape value through practical habitat creation, restoration and appropriate management.
Suitable types of projects include:
- Planting and management of hedgerows;
- Species rich grassland creation/management;
- Pond creation/restoration;
- Tree planting and management of veteran trees;
- Habitat creation for protected species;
- Dry stone wall restoration.
To coordinate with other organisations in relation to hedge planting/laying, pollarding and field pond restoration, such projects may be better placed with DEFRA’s Environmental Stewardship Schemes.
Projects not normally grant aided are those which are:
- Eligible for funding through District Council grant schemes;
- Within that part of the Great Western Community Forest where grants are available from the Countryside Agency and Swindon Borough Council funds;
- Required through the land use planning system;
- Funded through or fall within the criteria for DEFRA’s Environmental Stewardship Schemes;
- Fall within the criteria of the Forestry Authority’s English Woodland Grant Scheme.
Level of Grant Aid
Eligible projects will be grant aided up to a maximum of one third of the total project cost.
The minimum acceptable cost of a project is £300 and the maximum acceptable cost is £3000. The maximum grant payable on any one application is £1000. 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’.
Contact Details
By Post
Countyside Section
Environmental Services
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JD
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713489
By Fax
01225 713269
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
