2 million funding to be invested into environmental projects in Gloucestershire

Call out to Gloucestershire organisations: £2 million for Environment and Resource Efficiency

A new call for projects to address local needs and challenges seeks to invest European Regional Development Funds of up to £2 million in ecological network, green infrastructure, and/or natural water management activities within Gloucestershire’s urban and urban fringe areas.

The GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership European Structural and Investment Funds strategy recognises Gloucestershire’s natural environment as one of the county’s greatest assets and highlights that improvements in the local environment are needed as a catalyst to local economic growth.

It is anticipated that an improved environment will attract inward investment and increase visitor spend, reduce the cost of adverse environmental conditions to communities and businesses, improve health and generate employment.

Gloucestershire’s natural environment faces challenges in rural, urban-fringe and urban settings and there is much to be done in order to meet biodiversity, air quality and other environmental targets.

Land use changes in the twenty first century are having an impact on the environmental landscape and on wildlife.

Recent surveys have demonstrated that, within Gloucestershire, habitats and species continue to be lost and degraded. In turn, this leads to degradation of the ecosystem services on which those living in the county rely, e.g. floodwater attenuation; water quality and quantity regulation; air purification; soil retention and maintenance; pollination.

Call Specification – Deadline 17^th February 2017

Proposals should demonstrate or outline:

• A strategic approach and experience of delivering a programme of effective enhancements to the natural environment;
• Why particular urban and urban fringe areas have been identified for support and investment;
• Knowledge and understanding of Gloucestershire’s natural environment and the ecosystem services it provides;
• How proposed activities complement existing initiatives in Gloucestershire - in particular, applicants should provide reassurance that activities do not duplicate Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or European Agricultural Funding for Rural Development funded initiatives;
• That project activities fall outside the scope for delivery under the Countryside Stewardship scheme;
• How investment in proposed activities will improve the environment for people and businesses, increasing local natural capital and supporting sustainable economic growth;
• Experience of working with local communities, community groups, developers and businesses to facilitate recognition and support for enhancement works;
• A track record of designing and implementing projects which are sustained beyond the period of initial funding;
• Previous experience reporting project outcomes through a structured monitoring and evaluation process.

Overall, activities proposed should result in improved habitat conservation status or significant areas of rehabilitated land.

This call does not represent the full European Regional Development Fund allocation for Priority Axis 6 in Gloucestershire. It is anticipated that further calls will be issued in support of Priority Axis 6 activities in the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership area.

The ERDF required outputs that must be delivered, full details and how to apply can be found here.

If you have any questions, or would like any further information on the call please contact GFirst LEP on info@gfirstlep.com.