GRASS roots groups planning positive environmental projects are to benefit from generous grants.

Charities and community groups who are planning projects to protect or improve the environment can apply for grants of up to £1,500 from a Wessex Water fund being run by Dorset Community Foundation.

The Wessex Water Environment Fund, which is open for applications until May 27, was created by the company to support projects involving communities in environmental activities to benefit their area, have a positive impact on local environments or educate people about the importance of supporting it.

Priority will be given to groups working to save water, cut the use of single-use plastics, reduce waste or improve local biodiversity.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “The grants will also be targeted at organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.

“Groups eligible are those with charitable aims, registered charities, and community interest companies with an annual income of less than £500,000. Schools and parish councils can apply if they can show community benefit to their project.”

Island Community Action (ICA) was given £1,500 to help create a wildlife garden at Atlantic Academy on Portland.

ICA chief executive Kim Wilcocks said: “There’s a lot of deprivation in Portland but also a passion for the local environment and we wanted to bring that passion into the school area.

"The garden has four areas, a coastal, a stone amphitheatre, a sensory area and a growing area. “The first section we are working on is the coastal area and the grant was essential in helping us cover the costs, so we are very grateful.”

A forest garden will give pupils at Bridport Primary School a taste of the outdoors – as well as fruit from the trees and bushes planted in it. A £1,500 grant to Transition Towns Bridport is funding a gardener to replace an ageing pond and set the project in motion. The garden will be terraced and give the school’s 380 pupils the opportunity to have lessons outdoors.

The BeeWayZz Hub at Bere Marsh Farm, near Blandford, has been awarded £1,500 to build five new hives and go out on the road promoting its bee-friendly flower corridors and encouraging more people to plant pollinating plants.

Among the recipients from the last grant round in May 2021 were St Mary Gillingham Scouts, which used a £1,000 grant to replant an unkempt hedge near their base at Milton-on-Stour with wildlife-friendly saplings.

Beaver Scout Leader Jackie Westbrook said: “ As well as learning about planting the hedge members learnt about looking after it and about the wildlife who visit as part of their badge work.”

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be continuing our partnership with Wessex Water, and helping to make a real difference to communities in Dorset.

“The company’s generosity and commitment to the area is to be applauded and we are proud that once again it is entrusting our knowledge of the community with its funds to help it make a real impact.”

Full criteria and application advice can be found at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds-wessex-water-environment-fund.