Southwark Council has stepped up its efforts to boost biodiversity projects by launching a new funding initiative for not-for-profit groups to deliver nature enhancement projects which contribute to creating new habitats and increase biodiversity.
The Southwark Biodiversity Fund will provide grants ranging from £15,000 to £120,000 to enhance biodiversity across the borough.
Grants will be awarded for projects such as construction of a nature garden, species rich wildflower meadow, wildlife pond, or turning a grey concreted area in to a new green habitat to help our local wildlife.
With a total fund of £500,000, the council anticipates supporting around 10 to 12 projects, all aimed at delivering lasting and impactful biodiversity improvements.
The application deadline for the Southwark Biodiversity Fund is 5pm 24 November 2024. Capital projects funded through this initiative are set to begin in 2025.
This fund marks a significant step in Southwark’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Citizens’ Jury on Climate Change. It aligns with the council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, targeting three key aims:
- Prioritising biodiversity and nature recovery: The fund’s primary goal is to deliver projects in areas and habitats where they will have the most significant impact on nature.
- Climate resilience and adaptation: The fund seeks projects that make the borough and its residents more resilient and adapted to our changing climate including, reducing the risks of flooding and overheating, especially in the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Enhancing community access to green space: The council aims to protect and grow the benefits of green spaces for Southwark residents, particularly in areas with limited access to nature or those facing other inequalities.
This is a capital fund that will focus on funding physical infrastructure improvements. However, projects will also be supported with community engagement, expenses for managing volunteers, providing training and equipment, and project planning and evaluation where this helps to deliver the project.
Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business Climate Change, said: “Southwark Council is proud to launch the Southwark Biodiversity Fund as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling climate change. By supporting local, community-driven projects, we aim to create meaningful and lasting biodiversity improvements across the borough.
"This fund will not only enhance our green spaces but also strengthen our communities’ resilience to the impacts of climate change. We encourage local organisations to apply and help us make Southwark greener and more sustainable for everyone.”
While all projects must align with the fund’s primary focus on biodiversity, other green space initiatives may be better suited to Southwark’s Neighbourhoods Fund or the Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please download the application form via the council’s website.