MORE than £16,000 worth of funding has been given to projects aimed at improving the environment in communities across the county.

Wessex Water, in partnership with the Dorset Community Foundation, launched the Wessex Water Environment Fund, a multi-million-pound initiative, launched in June 2020, which provides a dedicated funding stream for projects across the region.

Among the recipients is the Plush Paddock Charitable Incorporated Organisation which will be using its £1,500 grant to maintain and improve hedgerows and grassland at the beauty spot near Dorchester.

Chairman of trustees John Lush said volunteers and a contractor will work to create a wildflower meadow and open public space. The group will also plant 40 trees, including some fruit trees to create a community orchard.

Chairman of trustees John Lush, said: “It’s for the benefit of the whole village who will be able to make use of it and enjoy it. We are very grateful for the grant because we have limited funds.”

Dorset Men of the Trees in Bovington will also be using some of its £1,500 grant to continue its tree-planting programme, including 1,000 saplings at a willow carr – a wetland woodland – at Lulworth.

Group member, Rachel Palmer said: “It is really beneficial from an ecological point of view because there are many birds and plants that depend on a willow carr."

The group will also continue its My Life My Tree project with rural primary schools. The project involved pupils collecting and growing seeds before seeing the resulting saplings planted across the community.

Mrs Palmer said: “It gives them a real appreciation of trees and they learn so much about their seasonal and environmental cycle.

“It’s a very popular project and we have a waiting list of schools wanting to take part so with the funding we can work with more.”

The Friendly Food Club will run 14 interactive cookery demonstrations in Gillingham and Shaftsbury with its £1,400 grant.

Project manager Liz Guilmant-Cush said the sessions, at Sturminster Vale Pantry and Gillingham Food Bank, will help turn food that otherwise might be thrown away into tasty and nutritious meals.

She said: “The aim is to reduce food waste by showing people simple cooking that can use up food that would otherwise go to waste.

“The grant money will go to supplying 14 interactive demonstrations at key locations, such as community pantries, community fridges and food banks. This is a project that has been successfully completed in Bournemouth and Poole, with positive impact on communities.”

Beaminster School has been awarded £1,500 to create a wildflower meadow, and wildlife pond after gaining inspiration from meadows and nature reserves nearby.

Rosemary Rychnovsky said: “We will be asking the advice of local professionals for guidance on how best to use the landscape we have and how to maximise its natural potential.

“We aim to increase our visiting pollinators, birds, pond life and small wildlife, with the clever use of planting and habitat improvements.”

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “We’re very pleased that Wessex Water’s faith in us has led to valuable funding for 13 brilliant project that will make a difference to the environment and bring people together in communities all over Dorset.

“This is the third year we have run this fund with Wessex Water’s generous support and it is really heartening for us that its continued trust in our expertise and local knowledge delivers exactly the types of applications and engagement it is looking for.”