A new funding scheme in the Moorlands is aiming to support groups and individuals to tackle climate change.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has launched the Community Climate Change Fund to provide small grants of up to £500 to community-based organisations taking measures locally to tackle the climate emergency which will help to deliver the Council's climate change strategies.

The aim is to encourage volunteers to work together and empower individuals and communities to take actions which:

• Reduce local CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase the ability of nature to absorb and store greenhouse gas emissions
• Build resilience in nature to mitigate the impact of climate change

Councillor Joe Porter, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: "People and groups across the Moorlands are already developing projects, schemes and activities we can all get involved in that will contribute to mitigating the effects of our changing climate.

"This is a major focus of our work at the Council too and we've set out our plans for reducing carbon emissions resulting from our services and operations. To support communities and individuals, we've also published some guidance and suggestions which are available on our website.

"We know that some of these schemes will need funding to get established so I'm pleased that we're offering additional, practical support in the form of these grants. I hope that this will encourage people to turn their ideas into actions and I look forward to seeing the innovative and creative projects that result from this extra help."

The fund is for any community group that needs help to set up a project. The grants will support practical measures such as tree planting and habitat improvement; educative actions to increase awareness and the skills needed to change and adapt lifestyles; green travel and transport schemes; energy saving in community buildings; local food projects; and recycling and reuse projects.

The Council has partnered with Support Staffordshire who will administer the scheme on its behalf. Applications can be made online via the Council's website or you can contact Jill Norman for more information and guidance on making an application at [email protected] or on 07495 736160.

Click here to apply.