COMMUNITY groups across Wiltshire are being offered a fresh chance to secure funding for green projects, as a popular environmental grants scheme reopens.

The Wessex Water Environment Fund is now accepting applications, offering grants of up to £2,000 to support initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment.

Managed by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, the fund is aimed at projects that bring communities together while making a positive environmental impact, from restoring habitats to encouraging more sustainable living.

Organisers say they are particularly keen to back ideas that reduce water use, improve biodiversity and strengthen long-term sustainability in local areas.

The scheme is open to community groups, charities, schools and parish councils in parts of Wiltshire served by Wessex Water, with a focus on projects where relatively small amounts of funding can make a big difference.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of initiatives – from restoring chalk stream habitats using rainwater harvesting to transforming neglected woodland into thriving community spaces.

Foundation joint chief executive Fiona Oliver said: “I am really pleased that we can continue supporting the incredible community-based projects across Wiltshire which make a real, lasting difference in protecting and improving their local environment.

“The Wessex Water Environment Fund provides the vital funding that helps bring these ideas to life, and we are pleased to once again be working with them to deliver this key funding programme.”

The fund is part of the wider YTL Wessex Foundation, which invests more than £700,000 each year into community and environmental projects across the region.

Community engagement manager at YTL UK Jennifer Staton said: “Over the years we’ve been able to support some incredible projects through the Environment Fund that have had really positive impacts on the local environment.

“This spring, we’re really looking forward to hearing about all the exciting environmentally focused projects happening in and around Wiltshire.”

Applications close at 11am on Monday, May 18.

For more information about the programme, including a full eligibility criteria and details on how to apply, please visit: https://www.wscf.org.uk/grants-and-support/groups/wessex-water-environment-fund/