Environmental projects awarded funding

Sunday 25 February 2024

Eleven environmental projects and two student research projects have been awarded money from the Strategy for Nature Fund.

Just under £40,000 has been granted, covering projects including the creation of a pond, bat surveying equipment, interpretation boards at nature reserves and growing native Guernsey plants.

Two bursaries have also been made for research projects. These will assess the carbon stocks of eelgrass beds in the Bailiwick and the impact of the Furrowed Crab on native crabs in Guernsey.

Angela Salmon, Head of Operations and Education at the Nature Commission, said:

"We were thrilled to receive an amazing variety of applications but this meant that difficult decisions needed to be made, as we could not fully fund all of the projects.

"These projects will help us get a better understanding of our natural environment as well as enhancing areas for biodiversity. We are looking forward to seeing how these projects will progress over this year."

The Strategy for Nature Fund was established in recognition that the Strategy for Nature is not simply a government document; it is a framework that requires support and action from the whole community to achieve its goals and objectives.

Previously, the fund was looked after by Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services, a division of Environment & Infrastructure.

Now it is managed in partnership with the Nature Commission, which was established last year to work with business, government, the third sector and the public to enhance the island's natural environment and promote greater biodiversity.

Julia Henney, Senior Natural Environment Officer, said: "This grant has enabled some fantastic projects since it was established in 2020 and we were really excited
to see such a range of projects and research applications submitted in this funding round.

"They really help to deliver the Strategy for Nature's aims of learning more about our environment, enhancing biodiversity and engaging with the local community."