Veolia Sustainability Fund, supported by West Berkshire Council, opens to support groups improve biodiversity in their local environment

A sustainability fund has opened to support groups improve biodiversity in their local environment, writes Grace Clift.

The Veolia Sustainability Fund 2024 is run in partnership with West Berkshire Council and aims to support people across West Berkshire to improve biodiversity in their local environments, with grants of up to £1,000 to not-for-profit organisations, community groups, or individuals.

Last year, Veolia was able to fund seven grassroots projects in the local area with £5,000.

In the past Veolia has supported pond clearance at Stockcross Conservation Area, a wildlife conservation project with Friends of Welford and Wickham, and helped create plant raised beds at Kintbury St Mary’s School.

Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for environment at West Berkshire Council, said: “The fund has already provided monies to many of our amazing community groups across West Berkshire, including helping to purchase litter picking equipment, nesting boxes, trees, and supporting biodiversity projects to name a few.

“We would encourage local eligible groups to apply for the funding this year and continue to make West Berkshire a vibrant environment full of biodiversity.”

This year, Veolia is particularly interested in projects that can make a positive, long-term difference to biodiversity in the local area.

Applicants can opt to request cash sponsorship, resources, or volunteers to work towards their environmental goals.

Pascal Hauret, managing director, municipal at Veolia, added: “I am always thrilled to see projects we support through the Sustainability Fund coming to life, and look forward to reviewing all the creative and inspiring applications for this year.”

Applications for this year’s Sustainability Fund will be open until Monday, September 30 and can be made via Veolia’s website at veolia.co.uk/Sustainability-Fund.

All applications will be considered, but projects should aim to fulfil at least one of the three main criteria of enhancing biodiversity; promoting sustainable behaviours - reduce, reuse, recycle – or protecting or preserving resources and the environment by using recycled, reused, or reclaimed materials.