EAST Devon District Council is launching a major new grant scheme to help fund projects that aim to increase awareness and understanding of the natural world.

EAST Devon District Council is launching a major new grant scheme to help fund projects that aim to increase awareness and understanding of the natural world.

The East Devon Natural Environment Awareness Grant Scheme offers grants of up to £10,000 and applications are especially invited from schools, local community groups and local interest groups that seek to further local knowledge of the natural environment.

Expressions of interest must be made to EDDC's Countryside Service and, if initially successful, these projects will be taken to a panel drawn from other organisations for final selection.

"The Council has seen huge benefits from the environmental work its Countryside Service and partners are carrying out in the district," explained Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, "especially the work involving young people and their natural world.

"This funding aims to give community schemes across the district a real shot in the arm and so help them get projects off the ground in what are increasingly difficult times".

EDDC expects the scheme to attract a great deal of interest, so competition for funding is likely to be strong. Projects that have a provable need, demonstrable benefits for the local community and future sustainability will be given priority.

"East Devon's natural environment is our greatest asset and the more people who recognise this, the better," said Councillor Liverton. "This grant scheme is not just limited to formal education projects; it is for everyone who wants to learn more about our wonderful countryside, not just now but in years to come."

Organisations should download an expression of interest form from EDDC's website at www.eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside and open the link for East Devon Natural Environment Awareness Grant Fund.

People who have the beginnings of an idea, but feel they need a little help to develop this further, are invited to speak to the District Council's Countryside Service on (01395) 517557.