Community projects along River Thames to benefit from grants
5 February 2010
Waterways environmental and heritage charity, The Waterways Trust, is offering grants of up to £5,000 for environmental and community projects along the non-tidal River Thames, from Teddington to Cricklade.
Joanne Darlington, Director of Development (England & Wales) explained: "Each year we distribute approximately £40,000 to projects along the River Thames which either encourage more people to visit and experience the river or are aimed at improving habitats for wildlife along the waterway.
"This can include waterway or wildlife conservation projects; education or activity progammes or access improvements on and near the River Thames."
The closing date for applications to this year's fund is 31 March 2010. The grants are given to organisations, community groups or schools.
The Waterways Trust's Thames Grants Scheme is made possible thanks to the donations from supporters of the Trust.
Joanne said: "The River Thames has a special place in many people's hearts and we are very grateful to our supporters. Their regular donations help fund schemes to improve the environment and educational and community projects along the Thames."
The scheme is supported by the Environment Agency. Samantha Holland, Market Development Team Leader (Thames Strategic Waterways), said: "We are pleased to support The Waterways Trust's Thames Grants Scheme. We want to attract new people to the river and to help support and sustain its wildlife. Through this grants scheme more community-led projects will be able to continue their valuable work, helping to enhance and develop the River Thames so more people can enjoy all that it has to offer."
Applications must be made on a Thames Appeal application form which can be downloaded from www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk/grants. Alternatively, contact Jenny Rogers on 0151 373 4391 or email jenny.rogers@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk for an application form.
Editor's Notes
The Waterways Trust is a national charity working to promote greater public enjoyment of the UK's waterways by raising funds for waterway restoration, conservation, recreation and education. The nationally important Designated inland waterway collection in our three museums at Gloucester, Ellesmere Port and Stoke Bruerne, together with the Waterways.
Questions? Comments?
Contact Justine Lee, Communications Manager at The Waterways Trust, on 07917 804550 or justine.lee@thwaterwaystrust.org.uk