Rural communities east of Dorchester can once again benefit from a grant scheme which has been re-opened.

The Conservation and Community Fund, developed by Dorset Council, the Dorset Natural Environment Team and Habitat First Group, is open again for the parish areas of Warmwell, Crossways, Knightsford, Broadmayne, Owermoigne, Puddletown, Moreton, and Winfrith Newburgh.

Projects which will benefit habitats and wildlife found in the Silverlake sustainable holiday home village and the local area can apply for a slice of the funding. The money can also be used for projects aimed at reducing vehicle use in the area through promoting bike paths and walking routes.

The fund is a requirement through the Silverlake planning permission granted to the developer, which is building up to 1,000 new holiday homes over the next 30 years on the former Warmwell quarry.

The legal agreement tied to the planning permission requires each holiday home owner to pay an annual sum of at least £50 to fund nature conservation and community projects helping to reduce the effects of the development on nearby protected heathlands. The developer tops up the fund to ensure that a contribution of at least £10,000 is made to the council each year.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s spokesman for planning, said: "This funding is a great opportunity for local groups and communities to make positive changes to enhance the natural environment of their area."

In January 2019, Frome Valley First School was awarded £2,840 to fund the creation of a pond with decking in their school wildlife area. It means children can now pond dip and make observations, whilst learning about the wildlife contained within it.

The school is planning to prepare an annual biodiversity update to show improvements at the site.

Dorset Environmental Records Centre was also awarded £4,200 in January to help fund a study which measures the change in distribution of bees and wasps in the Silverlake area. The study will help to inform the restoration work for Silverlake and the adjoining areas which are currently subject to mineral workings. It is expected to be concluded by the end of 2020.

Applications for funding can be accepted between from now until 5pm on Monday, July 22, and applicants can apply for up to £5,000 per year from the fund.

A guidance note has been prepared which provides further details of the application and assessment process, and it can be found on the Dorset Council website.

For more information and to download an application form, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk