A Conservation and Community Fund has been re-opened for the parish areas of Warmwell, Crossways, Knightsford, Broadmayne, Owermoigne, Puddletown, Moreton, and Winfrith Newburgh.
What can the fund be used for?
The fund has been developed by Dorset Council, Dorset Natural Environment Team and Habitat First Group.
The Conservation and Community Fund is available for projects to benefit habitats and wildlife found in Silverlake and the local area. It can also be used for projects to reduce vehicle use in the area through promoting the natural environment – such as bike paths, walking routes.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“This funding is a great opportunity for local groups and communities to make positive changes to enhance the natural environment of their area.”
Where does the money come from?
The fund is a requirement through the Silverlake planning permission which will see up to 1,000 new holiday homes built over the next 30 years on the former Warmwell quarry, west of Crossways.
The legal agreement tied to this planning permission requires each holiday home owner to pay an annual sum of at least £50 to fund nature conservation and community projects that help mitigate the effects of the development on nearby protected heathlands. The developer will top-up this fund to ensure that a contribution of at least £10,000 is made to the council each year.
How to apply
Applications for funding can be accepted between Monday 24 June and 5pm on Monday 22 July 2019.
Applicants can apply for up to £5,000 per year from the fund.
A guidance note has been prepared which provides further details of the application and assessment process.
For more information or to download your application form, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Successful bids
Frome Valley First School, Crossways
In January 2019, Frome Valley First School were awarded £2,840 to fund the creation of a pond with decking in their existing school wildlife area. The pond and decking will enable the children to pond dip and make observations and learn about the wildlife contained within it. The school plan to prepare an annual biodiversity update to show improvements within the site.
Study of Bees and Wasps by Dorset Environmental Records Centre
In January 2019, Dorset Environmental Records Centre were awarded £4,200 to help fund a study which measures the change in distribution of bees and wasps in the Silverlake area. The study will help to inform the restoration work for Silverlake and the adjoining areas which are currently subject to mineral workings. The study is expected to be concluded by the end of 2020.
