Community woodland groups across Devon are being offered the chance to receive a grant of up to �1,000 thanks to the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.
Community woodland groups across Devon are being offered the chance to receive a grant of up to �1,000 thanks to the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity. To date 94 grants have been issued totalling over �120,000. Grants have been dispersed far and wide across the UK, including over �14,000 to nine different groups in Devon itself. The grant can be used to buy tools and equipment, pay for training or even be put towards tree planting events or other activities to attract new members to the group. The funding comes from the Woodland Trust's Community Woodland Network (CWN), which is a project dedicated to sharing information and resources for community woodland groups across the country. Over 200 groups have signed up since the website was launched in 2003, including the Plymouth Tree Network and the Brookings Down Wood volunteers. CWN manager Paul Bunton explains more about the grants: "It's great news we can offer the grants again this year, it gives woodland groups the opportunity to invest more in their projects typically with training and equipment which helps to sustain them longer term. It can also help to attract new group members, which is key to their invaluable conservation work." One such group who have benefitted from a CWN grant is the Drews Pond Woodland Project. Group member Stuart Hislop explains how the grant has been put to use: "The group formed 19 years ago, after taking over derelict land on the site of the county asylum; which contains woodland that is over 400 years old. The grant has enabled us to improve facilities onsite, build a disabled picnic area and replace equipment amongst other things. It's great that the Woodland Trust remembers its roots and the importance of supporting community groups." To be in with a chance of receiving one of ten grants that are available for this year community groups in the region must submit their application to the Woodland Trust by June 30th. For a list of entry guidelines and an application form visit the Community Woodland Network website at http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork
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