Green boost for Ayrshire

Community projects working to improve their local greenspace in Ayrshire could be given a cash boost.

Butterfly conservation is one example of how communities can get grants

This follows the launch of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Community Project Fund 2016.

Supported by the Greggs Foundation with £20,500 and the Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) with £20,000, the £40,500 CSGN Community Project Fund will provide one-off grants of up to £1,000 to support small-scale greenspace initiatives and to foster community engagement in maintaining and enhancing the local environment.

The Fund aims to increase community use of local greenspace, particularly within disadvantaged communities, which can have a positive impact on the quality of life for local residents.

Over 40 grass-roots projects will receive funding through the programme and these can range from conservation and educational schemes, such as developing a safe natural learning space for children, community gardens for local groups to tend, and biodiversity activities such as planting and improvements to ponds and wetlands to protect local wildlife.

Groups can apply for funds up to £1,000 for projects carried out within the CSGN boundaries. The deadline for applications is 12noon on Tuesday 22 March 2016. For further information visit www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/cpf