South Staffs Water is pleased to announce that its ‘Projects that Explore Biodiversity Benefits in the Local Environment’ (PEBBLE) fund is now open for applications. The PEBBLE fund has been designed to actively encourage and enhance biodiversity in the local environment.  South Staffs Water is inviting applications from schools, youth groups, charities or community organisations before 31 July 2018.

There are three levels of funding available from £500 to £10,000, and funding applications for projects which will enhance biodiversity within the South Staffs Water area of supply are welcome, as long as the group owns the land or has permission from the landowner for the project to go ahead.

Projects can include anything that is designed to improve, restore or create new habitats and must be of benefit to the environment and/or the local community.  Previous successful applications have included new ponds to provide homes for plants and animals, gardens planted with species that provide habitats for wildlife such as birds or butterflies, the transformation of areas of neglected, derelict or overgrown space with the addition of new plant species and improvements to local rivers and streams through work to the channels, banks and flow. See below for a case study of the Leasowes Walled Garden. 

Dan Clark, Water Resources and Environment Manager for South Staffs Water, said: “At South Staffs Water we recognise the importance of the local environment, and the part we play in the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.  Increasing the variety of natural living things and the diversity of the habitats where they live not only benefits wildlife, it can also enhance local communities and our open spaces.”

Applications for 2018 will be open until 31 July 2018.  Please visit https://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/environment/biodiversity/pebble-fund to find out more or to apply.