A Conservation and Community Fund has been launched for the parish areas of Warmwell, Crossways, Knightsford, Owermoigne, Puddletown and Moreton.
The fund has been developed by West Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council Natural Environment Team (DNET) and Habitat First Group (Silverlake).
The Conservation and Community Fund can be used for projects to benefit habitats and wildlife found in Silverlake and the local area. It can also be used for projects to reduce vehicle use in the area through promoting the natural environment – such as bike paths, walking routes.
Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“This funding is an opportunity for local community groups and organisations make a positive change and enhance the natural environment of their area.”
The fund is a requirement through the Silverlake planning permission which will see up to 1,000 new holiday homes built over the next 30 years on the former Silverlake quarry, west of Crossways.
The legal agreement tied to this planning permission requires each holiday home owner to pay an annual sum of at least £50 to fund nature conservation and community projects that help mitigate the effects of the development on nearby protected heathlands. The developer will top-up this fund to ensure that a contribution of £10,000 is made to the council each year.
Applying for funding
Applications for funding can be made during April and October each year.
Initial funds in the Conservation and Community Fund stand at £10,000 but will increase as the number of properties within Silverlake increases.
Applicants can apply for up to £5,000 per year from the fund.
Those wishing to apply for funding will need to complete and submit an application form by 5pm on Monday 30 April. The applications will then be considered by DNET, WDDC, Habitat First Group, and relevant ward members before awards are made later in the year.
Guidance on the application and assessment process has been prepared together with an application form, visit dorsetforyou.com.
