Big Lottery launches Community Wildlife Programme

Big Lottery Fund's new programme for projects that bring local people together to discover, enjoy and protect the wildlife in their local area.

The programme is now open to a wide range of organisations including voluntary and community organisations, schools, town and parish councils, and statutory health authorities. Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available for:

Projects that improve rural or urban environments for people to enjoy, for example by:

• protecting wildlife habitats
• creating a nature trail, woodland walk or wildlife garden
• improving community spaces, such as rivers, ponds and woodlands.

Projects that get people more active and healthier, for example by:

• exploring parks, rivers and the countryside to look for rare or endangered species
• encouraging people to take up gardening or go on nature walks
• providing opportunities for children to learn about nature through play.

The Community Wildlife programme is a small grants programme running in partnership with the BBC. It complements the BBC's ‘Go Wild' campaign and is designed to provide opportunities for people and communities to become involved with, enhance and protect their local wildlife.

The programme has been launched with up to £2 million available across the UK and organisations can submit applications before the three programme deadlines of 21st July, 22nd September and the 24th November 2010.

For further details about the programme and to get an application form please visit our website or call our helpline on: 0845 367 0610. For more ideas for projects visit the BBC Wildlife Fund website

Community Wildlife wants to get more people involved in activities that improve or protect the natural environment by raising awareness of threatened wildlife and places. Please pass on the information to any organisation you think may be interested in applying.