Northumbrian Water's latest environmental funding scheme now open for local bidders

Said to benefit the natural environment, wildlife and local communities, local projects could receive a funding grant of up to £25k from Northumbrian Water’s Branch Out scheme.

Since launching in 2013, Branch Out has awarded grants worth nearly £350k across over 80 different projects.

Last month, judging for the most recent round of Branch Out funding took place, with nearly £40k in funding allocated across 11 new projects.

This included schemes run by Durham Wildlife Trust, Tyne Rivers Trust and the ‘North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Stuart Pudney, conservation and land manager for Northumbrian Water, said: “A healthy natural environment is essential for us to supply top quality drinking water.

“Since launching in 2013, Branch Out has made a really significant contribution to helping this region build resilience and adapt to the changing climate, whilst benefiting water, wildlife and local communities.

“Branch Out is open to small and large schemes, so we encourage local organisations, groups and individuals to get their bids into us before the next deadline at the end of February 2019.”

Applications for Branch Out funding can come from local organisations, community groups and individuals from the public, private, voluntary and education sectors. The deadline for consideration in the current funding round is Thursday, February 28 2019.

Projects which receive Branch Out funding can also be supported by ‘Just an Hour’ - Northumbrian Water’s employee volunteering programme.

Director Clare Freeman added: “Securing this funding of £2,000 will make a huge difference as it will enable us to carry out reedbed management work, ensuring the habitat is maintained for species such a bitterns, which are always a favourite for people to see.

“We shall be able to offer far more moth recording events throughout the year, increasing our biological monitoring of this precious reserve and enabling people to learn about these fascinating insects.”

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