GRANTS are going to be available for community projects in Upper Annandale with a connection to the River Tweed and its nature, history and stories.
Destination Tweed, the source-to-sea river revitalisation project, has launched the first stage of a new, two-year grant scheme, with £100,000 available in the first year for local groups and organisations in Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland.
The scheme will award individual grants of between £1000 and £10,000 for projects based predominantly within 2km of the River Tweed, and the River Annan from Moffat.
It aims to support initiatives that improve nature and biodiversity in the catchment, increase access to the river environment or enhance understanding of River Tweed’s history, stories, culture and traditions.
Eligible projects could include anything from tree or native wildflower planting in a community space, the installation of bat boxes or wildlife cameras and community archaeology and heritage projects, to traditional events.
Applications will be assessed every four months with the first deadline on June 19.
Full details are available on the Tweed Forum website where a map showing eligible project areas can be viewed. Information on potential match-funding partners is also available.
Destination Tweed project director Luke Fisher said; “As well as creating a unique experience for visitors, the Destination Tweed project is also aimed at encouraging local people to connect with the environment surrounding this very special river.
“We hope that local people will take up the opportunity our Community Grants scheme provides to help deliver grassroots projects that will assist with our efforts to make the South of Scotland an even better place to live, work and visit.”
* www.tweedforum.org
