New nature training grants for Exmouth residents

Small grants are available for training to help wildlife or nature projects in the town.

Grants of up to £150 will help Exmouth residents meet the costs of specialist training courses to help them develop and deliver action for wildlife in the town.

East Devon District Council, through its Wild Exmouth project, is administering this new grant fund to help Exmouth residents cover the costs of specialist training courses to action wildlife projects in the town.

Applications will be assessed on a six-weekly basis, with the final date in April 2021.

For the best chance of success, your project or activity should complement one or more of the following themes:

- Wild at Home: From window boxes to allotments, residents can make Exmouth a better place for wildlife by increasing the amount of space for wildlife in the town.

- Wild Learning: All types of active, outdoor events are welcome in the town to engage everyone in the great outdoors: a town for people and wildlife.

- Wild and Active: Exploring and getting outside is good for all of us. So we are encouraging new opportunities to connect to nature and to keep healthy.

- Wild around Town: We can improve the spaces for wildlife and make places easier to access and find. We will be encouraging improved access, information and wildlife projects to make space for nature.

Examples include (but are not limited to): community pollinator garden; horticulture; invertebrate monitoring and identification; tree care; woodwork; community engagement; walk leader training; risk assessment training; social media training; cookery lessons; project delivery; practical skills for the environment; orchard project; community insect project; grow, cook, eat project; creating outdoor learning areas; monitoring and surveying; wildlife corridor creation; making homes for nature.

Applicants will need to demonstrate how the grant will enable them to deliver a project which engages residents to improve spaces for nature in the EX8 area.

Successful applicants will work in partnership with the Wild Exmouth team on publicity for the project and submitting a project report within 6 months of the award.

CLICK HERE to find out more and apply for a grant.

Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "Over the last nine months we have realised how important it is to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate the nature around us.

"Our 'Wild Exmouth' project is to encourage nature into every little pocket of space we can within the confines of the town of Exmouth, and to encourage as many residents to be involved.

"Anyone can apply for these grants which are aimed to help people to engage with others to enhance our natural surroundings."

Funding decisions will be based on merit and taken by a panel, which includes representatives from Wild Exmouth and East Devon District Council, including Cllr Olly Davey (East Devon District Councillor for Exmouth Littleham ward and Exmouth Town Councillor).

If you have an idea for a project and would like help or advice to get started, please contact our Wild Exmouth Ranger, Debs at [email protected] or on 07812 652 336.