The Community BlueScapes project, a partnership between Richmond Council, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Barnes Common Ltd, has launched two new pots of funding to support projects that help with flood resilience and climate adaptation in the Beverley Brook catchment area.

The Community BlueScapes Fund aims to support local projects and initiatives, run by local residents, community groups and businesses, that benefit the community or project area in adapting to extreme weather such as flooding. The area is the Beverley Brook Catchment from Richmond Park to North Barnes. Small grants of between £1,000 or £5,000 will be offered, from a total pot of £30,000.

The grants could be used to create projects such as rain gardens, install water butts, start a community garden, set up a community climate event, protect local wildlife, or make it easier for local people to connect with each other and nature.

The closing date for the Community BlueScapes Fund is Friday 26 January 2024.

The Ideas Fund is a pot of £100,000 and seeks ideas from local people and organisations. The Community BlueScapes team will shortlist proposed projects and local residents will be able to vote for those they would like. 

The closing date for the Ideas Fund is 15 February 2024.

The project team is hosting a number of drop-in sessions at community venues across the project area from now until 24 January, where you can discuss your ideas and get application guidance.

For full details of the funding and to apply, visit the Richmond Council’s BlueScapes’ webpages.