You are here: Home : News : New Fund to Help Inner London's Wildife
27th Nov, 2008 to 27th Apr, 2009
Environmental grant-maker, GrantScape, has launched a £300,000 fund designed to support high priority nature conservation projects in Inner London. This is the charity’s first grant programme dedicated to supporting urban biodiversity.The “Inner London Nature Conservation Fund” has been designed with support from the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Biodiversity Partnership and London Boroughs Biodiversity Forum.
Welcoming this initiative the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It is fantastic news that GrantScape has £300,000 on offer to help improve the quality of London's inner city green spaces. Londoners can derive a host of benefits from places where nature is encouraged to thrive. This is why I have also pledged funds to plant 10,000 more street trees in the capital and makeover some of London's most rundown parks.”
Also supporting the new grant programme, Naturalist and TV presenter Nick Baker said: “This is great news, because urban wildlife is under increasing threat from pressures such as climate change and development. It’s really good to see GrantScape’s commitment to inner city nature conservation, helping wildlife adapt to these pressures. Bringing nature closer to people is also very important in raising their awareness of this issue.”
Nick White, London Biodiversity Partnership Manager said: "London Biodiversity Partnership is delighted to welcome the launch of GrantScape's 'Inner London Nature Conservation Fund'. GrantScape liaised closely with London Biodiversity Partnership and others to ensure that the fund will target habitats of particular concern to the Partnership and which we would like to ensure receive support within the capital. The fund should play a significant part in ensuring the conservation and expansion of biodiversity within Inner London and provide Londoners with greater access to wildlife and greenspace."
Grants will be available to not-for-profit organisations, including “friends of” groups, charities and Borough Councils. Applications can be made to GrantScape for amounts ranging between £20,000 and £50,000, and grants can be spread over two years. Better still, no match funding is required.
The biodiversity value of applicants’ projects will be the main criteria used by GrantScape in assessing applications, specifically how these contribute to meeting the London Biodiversity Action Plan’s goals. However, in choosing between projects, the charity will also be looking to support the Mayor of London’s objective to improve Londoners’ access to nature, particularly where there is a present deficiency.
For full details of this new grant programme, please visit: www.grantscape.org.uk
