Earth & Nature Water & Ocean

Wessex Water: Supporting more environmental projects

Written by Abby Davey

Green initiatives in the Wessex Water region could benefit from grants of up to £2,000.

The company’s Environment Fund has opened for applications from community or charitable projects that help protect the natural world.

Funded through the Wessex Water Foundation, grants are available to voluntary groups, schools, town and parish councils, registered charities and community interest companies.

Eligible projects must involve communities in environmental activities that benefit the local area, restore, maintain or enhance the local natural environment, or engage people in supporting the local natural environment.

Priority will be given to initiatives that save water or improve sustainability and biodiversity, as well as organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.

Last year’s fund saw 61 groups benefit from more than £100,000 of funding – with projects ranging from wildlife studies to sustainable nappies.

Wessex Water is again working in partnership with Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Quartet Community Foundations to help decide which projects will receive support in 2024.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s Head of Community Engagement, said: “Groups eligible are those with charitable arms, registered charities and community interest companies with an annual income of less than £500,000.

“Schools and parish councils can apply if they can demonstrate a community benefit to their project.”

Applications are open until 17 May. To apply or find out more about eligibility visit wessexwater/co.uk/funding