£400k is up for grabs in eco fund

Communities can bring environmental and health benefits to their areas by bidding for a share of a £400,000 fund.

The 2018-19 round of the Central Scotland Green Network ( CSGN) funding will offer investment to projects promoting active travel, woodland planting, community growing and restoring land.

Since 2010, £6.3million has been invested in more than 180 projects.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham opened the latest round of funding on a visit to the New Caledonian Woodlands, which received investment in the 2017-18 round.

She said: “Since 2010, this investment has helped more than 180 projects improve green spaces in their local areas.

“Whether that’s been t h rough commu n i t y growing, woodland planting or increasing awareness of cycle and walking routes, each of these community projects is playing a role in our ambitions to create a cleaner and greener Scotland.

“It’s more important than ever that we recognise how these small individual actions can play a role in reducing emissions, and why getting together to improve our green spaces is so crucial.”

Keith Geddes, chair of the CSGN Trust, added: “We are proud to continue our support of the CSGN Development Fund, helping to improve the lives of people living, working and visiting Scotland’s central belt and support the delivery of a better natural environment.

“Through the Development Fund, we have been able to support a range of worthwhile projects across the region, helping them to make a real difference through the invaluable work they carry out.

“We are looking forward to the next round of applications and are keen to hear from eligible projects that are supporting and creating woodland areas, green infrastructure, active travel as well as those encouraging community growing.”

Deadline for applications is 5pm on February 5, 2018.

The application form and guidance is available at http://bit.ly/1LbzLur