A second round of funding from a developer of holiday homes near Crossways is available through the Silverlake Conservation and Community Fund.

The fund was launched in April for Warmwell, Crossways, Knightsford, Owermoigne, Puddletown, Moreton, Broadmayne, Winfrith Newburgh and Woodsford.

The fund has been developed by West Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council Natural Environment Team and Habitat First Group.

It can be used for projects to benefit habitats and wildlife and can also be used for projects to reduce vehicle use in the area through promoting the natural environment – such as bike paths and walking routes.

Already, the fund has benefitted Broadmayne School. It has put plans in place to utilise almost £1,000 of grant funding for an outdoor development project.

The school has earmarked an area of the field to become a wild meadow to encourage bugs and butterflies for students to study.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “I am pleased that this funding is providing benefits to the area through Broadmayne School’s outdoor development project, a great initiative for interactive learning.

“This next round of funding is the ideal is an ideal opportunity for local community groups and organisations make a positive change and enhance the natural environment.”

Applications for funding can be made during April and October each year.

The Conservation and Community Fund currently stands at just over £18,000. It 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 October 31. The applications will then be considered by Dorset County Council Natural Environment Team, West Dorset District Council, 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