More than £2,000 of funding has been awarded to four projects across Suffolk that will help people in the area discover nature on their doorstep and understand why the landscape is so special.
The Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Community & Conservation Fund supports projects that cover heritage, media, conservation, learning, health, accessibility, and diversity through an annual small grants programme.
Successful applicants typically receive grants ranging from £500-700 and this year four fantastic projects have been funded that will introduce more people to nature and allow them to engage with the landscape in new ways.
Hollesley School were awarded £700 to create a new wildlife area for children in the school. The funds will be used to create a forest school area within the school grounds, whilst also developing the existing wildlife area.
The East Anglian Sailing Trust received £650 for Discovering the River Orwell trips, sailing adventures on The River Orwell that will give disadvantaged younger children the opportunity to appreciate, discover and learn about all aspects of the river.
Visitors to Shotley will be able to learn more about the diverse range of wildlife that frequents the River Stour thanks to a new birdwatching noticeboard. The Shotley Heritage Charitable Community Benefit Society were awarded £700 to install the noticeboard at Shotley Pier, which will showcase images of birdlife, so people can learn what kind of birds they are seeing, along with a chalkboard to record daily sightings.
Finally, Transition Woodbridge received £216 to create 5-minute Litter Pick Stations which can be used by anyone who would like to pick up litter in the Woodbridge and Melton area. The litter picking equipment can be used by anyone passing by and will help engage with residents and visitors alike and raise awareness of the importance of keeping our rivers and landscapes litter-free to help nature and wildlife.
You can find out more about the Community & Conservation Fund and all the AONB’s grants programmes by visiting www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/managing.