Cambridge Water launches biodiversity fund
23rd May 2016
A new fund has been launched by Cambridge Water to actively encourage and enhance biodiversity in the local environment.
Projects that Explore Biodiversity Benefits in the Local Environment – or PEBBLE for short – will provide three levels of funding ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 to organisations keen to enhance biodiversity within the Cambridge Water area of supply.
Dan Clark, Water Resources and Environment Manager for Cambridge Water, said:
“At Cambridge Water, we recognise the importance of the local environment, and the part we play in the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
“Increasing the variety of natural living things and the diversity of the habitats where they live not only benefits wildlife, it can also enhance local communities and our open spaces.”
Projects can include anything that is designed to improve, restore or create new habitats and must be of benefit to the environment and/or the local community.
For example:
- Creating a pond to provide a home for plants and animals
- Planting a garden with species that provide habitats for wildlife such as birds or butterflies
- Transforming an area of neglected, derelict or overgrown space with the addition of new plant species
- Improving the habitat of local rivers and streams through improvements to the channel, banks and flow
Applications are welcomed from schools, youth groups, charities or community organisations. They must either own the land or have permission from the land owner for the project and the work cannot have already taken place.
Projects are also encouraged to include opportunities for Cambridge Water employees to get actively involved in work as part of the company’s Employee Volunteer Scheme whereby each employee can take paid time of work to undertake an activity that benefits the local community.
The first round of applications for funding in 2016/17 will close on 31 July 2016. A second round may open in December 2016 depending on the success of the first round.
Applications will be assessed by a panel and the first round of funding for 2016/17 projects will be chosen in July 2016.
The successful projects will be announced and awarded funding in August 2016.
As part of the award, projects will be expected to participate in publicity and promotion of Cambridge Water’s Pebble Fund and submit a report, including photographs, a description of the project and the improvement and benefits it provides.
Full terms and conditions and an application form are available via www.cambridge-water.co.uk/customers/pebblefund
Back to News