Grants are now available to help groups to protect the New Forest.

In January 2020, the New Forest National Park Authority declared a climate and nature emergency.

The grants are launched on the back of the online New Forest Awakening Festival which ran throughout February and raised awareness of the nature and climate emergencies, highlighting how people could make a difference.

The Authority has grants of up to £150 available to schools, youth groups and other organised community groups and charities to kickstart projects.

Grants are available for activities that improving opportunities for wildlife and habitats, reduce carbon emissions or connect new groups to nature:

Applications can be made until Tuesday 4 May.

John Sanger, New Forest National Park Authority member and chairman of its Sustainable Communities Fund, said, “Ensuring this precious landscape survives for future generations requires a team effort, and we are lucky to have many people in our communities who respect and care for the New Forest.

“This was evident in our last micro-grant scheme, where dozens of schools and youth groups bid for grants to make their areas greener. We were thrilled to be able to help them establish wildlife gardens and composting areas, build bug hotels and raised beds, and buy tools and litter picking equipment.

To apply for a grant, visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/scf