MORE trees will be planted around Worcestershire and new wildflower meadows created after the county was awarded a £1.3million grant.
The money from the European Regional Development Fund will help launch The Natural Networks programme later this year, which is aimed at improving the quality of Worcestershire’s natural environment.
It aims to provide free biodiversity enhancement surveys and grants to enhance the biodiversity of sites owned by small and medium businesses (SMEs), public and third sector organisations.
These organisations can apply for grants of between £2,000 and £200,000 for projects such as native tree planting, creation of native wildflower meadows and increasing biodiversity along water courses.
Coun Tony Miller, cabinet member for the Environment, said: “We are really excited to work with communities and landowners to conserve and restore our county’s natural environment so that everyone can appreciate and enjoy Worcestershire’s rich natural landscape.”
The three-year programme, due to end summer 2021, is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It will be managed by the County Council and run in partnership with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
Worcestershire organisations and small to medium sized businesses can find out if they are eligible for this support by e-mailing [email protected] to register their interest.
A number of criteria applies, including the requirement for match funding and public access to sites supported through the scheme.
