Following two rounds of applications in October and December last year, 27 bids were selected from across the Peak District to receive financial support for projects that aim to make a huge difference to the local area, communities and help restore nature.
Successful applications needed to be time sustainable and not require ongoing funding from the Trust; demonstrate how projects would support land or areas in the Wild Peak boundary; show how the local community, landowners or local people have helped in the identification of activity or have been consulted/engaged; and show what difference will be made.
Among the successful applicants are projects to create ponds and wetlands, reintroduce species, create new and improved habitats, install bat/bird/hedgehog houses increase accessibility to nature and wild spaces, and develop community led projects and events to connect people with nature and encourage them to make long lasting change.
New Mills residents, who have been surveying swifts for three years, have received funding for their New Mills Swifts', project. Swift boxes are going to be installed on five public-access buildings in New Mills and neighbouring village Hayfield, which will be hubs for swift information.
Deborah Pitman, who led the DWT Community Fund bid for funding for the project, said:
"We're so excited, for the first time, swifts will be returning to their natural nest sites and finding we've added boxes ready for the juveniles seeking their first homes.
"We have a school, a theatre, a former pub, a retirement complex and our Town Hall on board. All these sites are among existing colonies. We've all worked together to plan this massive improvement for the swifts that come to our part of Derbyshire. We're really grateful DWT are funding our project."
Buxton Community School has also been awarded funding for its Community Allotment project, which will see pupils growing food for the local community and school kitchen.
Vicki Booth from the school’s Eco Club said:
“The students and I at BCS are really grateful for the DWT grant. We are planning to use the money to create a community allotment where students and members of the public will be able to get outside, meet new people and grow organic vegetables and lots of other things. We hope to be able to use the vegetables in the school kitchen and, if there's enough, donate to families in need.
“We want to make the space into a haven for nature so will be providing lots of trees, plants and a pond that insects and animals will love. It will be a place for students and members of the community to sit and enjoy and appreciate nature and maybe, inspire them to do more. Thank you DWT!”
