Grants to get green schemes going in High Peak

Published on 15 June 2023

Grants to help schemes and ideas to address climate change get off the ground in the High Peak are now available.

High Peak Borough Council has opened the next round of its Community Climate Change Fund and is inviting new applications from community-based organisations taking measures to tackle the climate emergency.

Since it was established, the £20,000 fund has already distributed £11,500 to support a wide variety of projects and groups including energy audits and advice for Hayfield residents, an after-school vegetable growing club, a grow your own clothes flax linen project, a baby bank distributing pre-loved baby clothes and equipment and a Men in Sheds project turning waste into planters and bat boxes.

Small grants of between £200 and £500 are available to help measures which support delivery of the Council's Climate Change Strategy.

The aim is to encourage volunteers to work together and empower individuals and communities to take actions which:

• Reduce local CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase the ability of nature to absorb and store greenhouse gas emissions
• Build resilience in nature to mitigate the impact of climate change

Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Environment, Jean Todd, said: "Managing our changing climate is a priority shared by the Council and so many of our residents and businesses.

"We know that there are lots of people and groups with imaginative ideas and plans that perhaps just need a little financial help to get started. This fund was set up to provide that additional support and we're delighted that we've already helped 25 projects in our Borough.

"We've now opened the next round of the funding and I would encourage communities with projects in mind to apply as soon as possible. All the information, including guidance notes and the application form, is available on our website. We look forward to hearing from you."

The grants will support practical measures such as tree planting and habitat improvement; educative actions to increase awareness and the skills needed to change and adapt lifestyles; green travel and transport schemes; energy saving in community buildings; local food projects; and recycling and reuse projects.

Find out more about the Council's work on climate change.