Green Grants Programme extended

A £2 million scheme to “unlock the economic potential of the West Midlands’ natural environment” will be open to applications for longer. The closing date for bids to the Natural Assets initiative has been extended until 8 September.

Run by Advantage West Midlands in partnership with Natural England, the four-year scheme offers grants worth up to £250,000 to ensure the region capitalises on its Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves, green spaces, amenity areas, and Sites Important to Nature Conservation.

Businesses, charities, councils, and voluntary organisations are all invited to bid for funding to carry out projects that fall under one of the following three broad aims: improve the region’s economic activity through natural assets, transform existing natural assets to help realise their economic and social potential, or research-based projects that will create a lasting delivery-based legacy and develop future environmental initiatives.

Up to 15 projects will be supported during the course of the programme. It is hoped that activities will bring a number of benefits to the West Midlands, including attracting new visitors to the region, creating new “green” jobs, tackling climate change and flooding, and encouraging business opportunities that are linked to the region’s natural environment.

Applications must be made by 8 September 2010.

For further information about the Natural Assets programme, visit the Natural England website

Last updated: Tue 4th May 2010