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The Eden Valley’s landscape, tranquillity and rich biodiversity will be better protected in 2012 through a widening of the current conservation work handled through Nurture Lakeland and the creation of a funding pot specifically for Eden-based conservation projects.
Thanks to the 2.5-year Green Eden project, the Nurture Eden arm of Nurture Lakeland is now in a position to invite applications from community groups, small organisations and conservation bodies looking for on-going financial support through business sponsorship for practical conservation projects.
Projects seeking funding should have a conservation theme, such as wildlife, wilderness, paths and trails, valleys, woodlands, water, climate change, people and places, heritage and buildings and high mountains. Fund managers are looking for a clear and positive contribution to the environment within the project plans. To be successful, projects will typically also need to be accessible to the public and involve and benefit local communities.
Community groups and small organisations wishing to suggest a project for funding should also be aware that the project must be attractive to a potential business sponsor. Funding for Nurture Eden projects will be collected from donations made by tourism businesses who are fundraising through their visitors to Eden and which wish to put something back into the locations in which they operate, by supporting vibrant and viable conservation projects.
Eden businesses wishing to support an Eden-specific project can now do so. Their visitor payback schemes will directly contribute funds to Eden-based conservation projects alone, with an aim of funding 10 new conservation projects in 2012.
The benefits of supporting conservation projects are tangible. Nurture Eden’s Anna Waddilove says: “Nurture Lakeland’s visitor payback scheme has been operated by companies like Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and many other businesses across the Lake District for many years and their popularity amongst environmentally-concerned businesses is growing. Customers, guests and visitors get a feel-good factor from knowing they are indirectly contributing to the landscape and heritage of the area and this helps boost consumer loyalty to the business. It’s wonderful that as a result of our Green Eden project we can now focus this next round on Eden-based projects”.
With Nurture Eden’s support and judging criteria, monies raised through business donations can be channelled into highly effective, but low impact, conservation projects. Help in getting started as a business donator is available from Nurture Lakeland’s Charlotte Widgery, on 01539 822890.
Those who wish to potentially access funding for an Eden-based project should submit details of their scheme by January 31, 2012. This will put them in contention for on-going business sponsorship in 2012, as soon as business donations are secured.
To discuss a potential project that could be funded up to the £1000 mark, call Charlotte Widgery or email charlotte@nurturelakeland.org.uk. Projects broken down into elements requiring lower amounts of funding are more likely to be successful in obtaining at least part-funding.
Successful applicants are asked to become Nurture Eden members, fees for which are based on turnover, but are £25 a year for year one, where turnover is under £50,000, and then £50 a year thereafter. Members access a wide range of benefits. Visit www.agreeneden.org to find out more.