Six countryside community grants have been awarded by Hart District Council for projects which bring health, wellbeing and biodiversity benefits to residents.
The largest grant of £10,000 has been awarded to Twesledown Infant school to support the development and upgrading of their very well used forest school. As well as providing opportunities for pupils to engage with nature, this space is used by community groups and offers ‘Stay and Play’ sessions to the wider community.
Hartland Men’s Shed was awarded £5,000 to improve the outdoor area around their workshop to create a garden to grow their own vegetables.
A further £5,000 was awarded to Yateley Town Council to produce a biodiversity audit and action plan of their land to make environmental enhancements based on best practice.
A series of smaller grants were given to Crondall Primary School, Elvetham Heath Primary School and Mattingly Parish Council to support feasibility studies for a new pond and the development of plans to create a new sensory garden.
Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “These grants are all about helping passionate schools and groups in Hart bring their ideas to life to benefit their local communities.
“I want to thank everyone who applied and encourage those that were not successful to work with our officers to try again next year. We will share the progress of the successful projects across the year and hope you enjoy seeing them come to fruition as much as we do.”
Applications for next year's grants open on 1 August. But don’t wait until then to start your bid! Find out more at www.hart.gov.uk/countryside-and-leisure/countryside-grants-scheme