Organisers of projects which help secure the future of the New Forest are invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Love the Forest scheme.

Initiatives funded recently include providing litter picking kits for National Park ambassadors; enabling hundreds of volunteers to help with conservation tasks; printing the New Forest Code showing how people can help care for the Forest; and supporting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in removing non-native plants from choking the forest’s rivers and streams.

Businesses across the National Park help raise the funds from their customers by adding a small donation to restaurant bills, accommodation, products and services.

William Ziegler, chairman of the New Forest Trust registered charity, which runs the Love the Forest scheme, said: “The New Forest is one of the best places for wildlife in Europe with many rare species, all underpinned by the ancient tradition of commoning – with the grazing animals helping to shape the landscape.

“Now we’re asking for schools, businesses and organisations to come forward with more innovative projects to help look after this internationally-important area.

“We would also like to thank our partner businesses and their customers who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years to ensure the spectacular New Forest is protected for future generations.”

Grants of £50 to £5,000 are available and projects must meet one or more of the New Forest Trust charitable objectives:

• Promoting the conservation, protection and improvement of the New Forest
• Promoting the conservation and protection of the commoning livestock, the deer and other flora and fauna of the New Forest
• Promoting the education and understanding of the public in the commoning of livestock, of fauna and flora and the environment of the New Forest

Further guidance on what types of projects are eligible and how to apply is available at www.lovetheforest.org.uk.