Bids open for second round of biodiversity grants

The city council has opened up a second round of biodiversity grants for bids from local groups and organisations, following a highly successful first round that saw seven community projects completed.

Applications in round one were submitted in November last year, with £15,000 in the pot for initiatives that provide a boost to biodiversity and the environment.

There was plenty of interest and all the money was spent across the seven projects around the district. These were:

• All Saints Nursery – forest school (pictured below)
• Wickhambreaux Village Hall – wildlife garden improvements
• Chislet Parish Council – bird and bat boxes, insect hotel
• Love Hambrook Marshes – livestock fencing (top picture)
• Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership – tree planting (bottom picture, Field Avenue)
• Stream Walk Community Garden – pollinator bedding and rustic signage
• Westbere Parish Council – bird and bat boxes

Now, bids can be put in for round two, with £15,000 again in the kitty.

Applications are welcome for amounts up to £7,500. The grants can be used to fund the entirety of a project, or as match funding for a larger initiative.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that all the funding they are bidding for can be fully spent on their project by 28 February 2026.

Bids must be able to show that they will result in an improvement in local biodiversity and environment, and be fully costed.

They must also confirm how maintenance will be carried out for at least five years after completion, which may be achieved through volunteering.

Cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “We were very pleased with the applications that came forward last year and all those that were successful have delivered some fantastic projects that have made a real difference to local biodiversity.

“We would like to thank all the organisations and groups involved for their hard work and dedication to the environment. These are exactly the kind of schemes we envisaged when we launched this initiative.

“And so, in recognition of how much interest there is in this locally, we’ve decided to do it all again, with round two bids now open.

“The last round of bids offered plenty of inspiration, so we are really excited to receive even more amazing biodiversity projects this time around.”

Applications for a biodiversity grant can be made on the council’s website with a closing date of Monday 28 July.

Published: 5 June 2025