Cash boost for High Peak green projects

Applications for High Peak Borough Council’s ‘Community Climate Change Fund’ will open in April, offering financial support to local projects aimed at tackling the climate and nature emergency.

The fund, established in 2021, provides grants to community groups, organisations and individuals working on practical projects to protect the environment and support sustainable living. Previous recipients include Chapel Biodiversity, Glossopdale Furniture Project, Incredible Edible New Mills, and Serpentine Community Garden, all of which have delivered initiatives benefiting their local communities. 

Councillor Jean Todd, Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Environment, said the scheme helps people take action at a local level: 

“We at the Council have declared a climate and nature emergency and we want to work with organisations, groups and individuals to manage the impact of climate change and create environments where nature can flourish. 

“By providing community-led schemes with these grants, we’re making sure people can take action in their own neighbourhoods. It’s enabling communities across the High Peak to bring their ideas to life, and they are making a real difference. 

“We’ve seen the fantastic work from groups who have already received funding, and we’re opening the next round so these benefits can reach even more areas of the High Peak.” 

Grants of between £400 and £5,000 are available for projects such as tree planting, habitat improvement, green travel schemes, energy-saving measures in community buildings, local food initiatives, recycling and reuse projects, and activities that help people develop more sustainable lifestyles. 

One previous recipient, the Grapevine Wellbeing Centre in Buxton, received £700 to run specialist nature walks. Charity manager Ana Mankiewicz said the funding had made a real difference: 

“This funding allows people who come to the Grapevine Centre the opportunity to get out into the countryside and connect with nature. 

“At the same time, it gives them the chance to give back to their community through litter picking and reporting issues on public rights of way, helping to make the area accessible to everyone. 

“Connecting with nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve health, and encourage people to care for the environment around them.” 

The next round of funding will run from 1st April to 31st May, with a further round planned for the autumn. 

The fund is administered on behalf of the council by High Peak Community and Voluntary Support. Chief Executive Ross Burnage said the scheme continues to attract strong interest from across the borough: 

“We always enjoy working with the Council to deliver this fund, as we share the same commitment to creating a more sustainable future. 

“We’ve received some outstanding applications which show the dedication people in the High Peak have to protecting nature and tackling climate change. 

“I’d encourage any organisation with an idea for a project that will make a difference locally to apply when the next round opens.”