Wild About Devon has just launched its second year of community grants!

The aim of this grant scheme is to provide an easy way for community groups to access small amounts of funding to start a wildlife group or carry out activities that promote wildlife. Funds can be used for advice, equipment and other resources.

Whilst Devon is green and beautiful, we have lost vast areas of habitat and species over the last 50 + years. The project recognises the vital role community action can play in tackling the ecological emergency through diverse, environmentally sustainable interventions that will provide long term benefits for wildlife. This could include creating new wildlife sites or changing the management of gardens, parks, green spaces, churchyards, orchards, ponds, ditches and buildings, in a way which will benefit wildlife.

The Wild About Devon – Community Wildlife Grant Scheme, was developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership. This fund is financed by the Devon Environment Foundation (DEF), Devon Communities Together (DCT), and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of the commitment to help tackle the Ecological Emergency.

HOW TO APPLY

Community Wildlife Groups, Town / Parish Councils, Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for the fund. Collaborative partnership amongst groups are welcomed, however, the application will have to be made by a lead partner. For full details please visit the Devon Communities Together website.

More from Wild About Devon

Awards

There are so many communities, schools, groups, and individuals around Devon taking real action and making positive impacts on the health of our environment. The Wild About Devon Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate their ambitions and achievements and inspire others to set up their own local wildlife projects.

There are four award categories:

• Wildlife Community of the Year
• Wildlife Parish and Town Council of the Year
• Wildlife School of the Year
• Outstanding Individual

A panel of judges will select three winners in each category, based on the steps they have taken to improve the wildlife value of an area as well as the social benefit of their activity, for example an increase in skills, awareness in nature, social interaction, well-being, or health benefits.

Winners will receive certificates on the night as well as some great prizes that will aid their conservation efforts.

Last year’s Wildlife Community of the Year winner Ogwild said the award was a moment they’ll not forget.

“Ogwild were thrilled to be chosen as The Wildlife Community of 2022. This recognition certainly raised our profile and increased our contact with other like-minded people. Networking and spreading the word are both crucial to the work we do so we would encourage others to participate in the 2023 awards.” Paul Martin.

To nominate a group or individual for an award or apply yourself, please fill out our online form here by the 31 August 2023. 

Professor Michael Winter, Chair of the Devon LNP said:

“This is our opportunity to acknowledge the excellent work of community groups and the benefit that this brings to our natural environment. The work these groups are doing in our county to restore and improve their local environment is truly inspirational and instils hope in us all for a greener future.”

Wild About Devon community forum

Wild About Devon is running a forum event to talk about the grants, awards and lots more. To get your place please register on Eventbrite here.

Wild About Devon is a Devon Local Nature Partnership initiative focusing on supporting local communities to restore and improve habitats for nature across our diverse landscapes.  Support is given through advice, signposting, networking platforms, and via the grant scheme.