To mark World Wildlife Day (Friday 3 March), South Staffs Water has announced it has awarded £7,700 in grants to six local initiatives.

Projects that Explore Biodiversity Benefits in the Local Environment – or PEBBLE for short – was launched by the water company to provide funding to organisations keen to encourage and enhance biodiversity within the South Staffs Water area of supply.

Applications were received from a variety of organisations – demonstrating a strong desire to help protect and enhance the local environment for the benefit of wildlife.

Successful applications range from creating a wildlife walk, and clearing scrubland to supporting a school keen to raise awareness of the environment and local wildlife among pupils.

South Staffs Water will be naming each of the projects over the coming months as they begin to invest in the new initiatives.

Dan Clark, Water Resources and Environment Manager for South Staffs Water, said: “We were overwhelmed at the amazing response from local projects which the PEBBLE Fund generated.

“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.”

“We are really looking forward to exploring each of these projects in more detail as they work to improve, restore or create new habitats.”

The next round of funding for PEBBLE applications will open in late spring. To keep updated visit
www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/environment/biodiversity/pebble-fund