Community climate change grants reopen in High Peak next month

Community groups across the High Peak will soon be able to apply for new funding to support projects tackling the climate and nature emergency.

High Peak Borough Council has confirmed that the next round of its Community Climate Change Fund will open from 1 April to 31 May, offering grants of £400 to £5,000 for local environmental projects.

Since launching in 2021, the fund has supported a range of initiatives including work by Chapel Biodiversity, Glossopdale Furniture Project, Incredible Edible New Mills, and Serpentine Community Garden.

Jean Todd, Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Environment, said:

We at the Council have declared a climate and nature emergency and we want to work with organisations, groups and individuals on ways of managing the impact of climate change and providing environments in which nature can flourish.

By providing community-led schemes with these grants we’re making sure people can take action at a very local level. It’s enabling communities across the High Peak to bring their projects and innovative ideas to life – and they are making a real difference.

We’ve seen the fantastic work that those people who have already received grants are doing, and we’re opening the next round of funding soon so that these benefits can be extended to even more areas of the High Peak.

Projects the grants can support

Funding is available for practical projects such as:

• Tree planting and habitat improvements

• Green travel and transport schemes

• Energy-saving measures in community buildings

• Local food growing initiatives

• Recycling and reuse projects

• Skills and education projects supporting sustainable lifestyles

One previous recipient, Grapevine Wellbeing Centre in Buxton, received £700 to run specialist nature walks.

Grant-recipient the Grapevine Wellbeing Centre in Buxton received £700 to run specialist nature walks. Ana Mankiewicz, Charity Manager, said:

This funding allows people who come to the Grapevine Centre the opportunity to get out into the countryside and connect with nature.

At the same time, it allows them to give back to their community through litter picking and highlighting any issues with the Rights of Way so that these can be addressed making the area accessible to all.

Connecting with nature reduces blood pressure, stress and anxiety and encourages people to take steps to improve their health whilst also improving the environment for everyone.

Supporting sustainable communities

The fund is administered by High Peak Community and Voluntary Support.

Chief Executive Ross Burnage said previous applications had shown strong commitment to protecting nature across the borough and encouraged more organisations to apply.

A second funding round will open in the autumn for further community projects.