Sponsored: Funding available for "shovel ready" biodiversity projects

Severn trent detail funding for new projects
Written by Eleanor Wood. First published on 8 Feb 2021, and most recently revised on 19 Aug 2021.

The impact of Covid-19 on communities in the Midlands has led to Severn Trent releasing a one-off, limited-time only, funding pot of £250,000 to support anyone wanting to improve biodiversity in the region, no matter how ambitious their ideas.

Individuals, groups and businesses in the region can apply for funding. Projects must be over 0.5ha or 0.5km and must be completed by 31 March 2021.

Severn Trent is open to any ideas, on any scale, but the more creative the better – the sky’s the limit. Previous projects have included:

  • Wetland restoration
  • Hedgerow planting
  • Wildflower meadow creation
  • Habitat management for native birds and mammals

Given the tight deadline, applicants need to make sure any proposed work can be started straight away. Severn Trent will also consider projects that have already started but remain unfinished, perhaps because they ran into financial difficulty. We need these to be up and running by spring to give habitats and other wildlife the best chance to thrive.

This funding is a part of Severn Trent’s major commitment to preserving its region’s natural environment and tackling climate change, known as the Great Big Nature Boost. This ongoing project has ambitious plans to work with the community to enhance nature over 5,000ha, plant 1.3 million trees and restore 2,000km of rivers by 2027.

Here are some examples of work that has been done with Boost for Biodiversity funding in the past:

  • Tretawdy Farm, Llangrove, Herefordshire: Creation of an integrated whole site network of irrigation pipes for water purification, resource production and habitat creation, as part of a wetland ecosystem treatment system for a proposed hostel development.
  • White Peak Farmers Group, Derbyshire: Restoring and creating water meadows in the region surrounding the River Dove, alongside creating hay meadows, as well as collecting and sowing wildflowers to boost local biodiversity.
  • The Little England Butterfly Booster, Warwickshire: Delivering water quality and drought resistance to a working farm, alongside protecting and bolstering the historic landscape which supports nationally threatened butterfly species.

Biodiversity funding

Work completion date: 31 March 2021

Total fund available: £250,000

To apply for funding
To express your interest, send your email as soon as possible
For more information
Visit the website