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A project that will helping communities in Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian to make practical biodiversity improvements in their local park, community garden, allotments or woodland.
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2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and local environmental charity Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust would like to develop the ‘Biodiversity for Communities’ grants scheme. It is a very simple process, allowing small groups to apply for cash to improve their local park, community garden or woodland and will lead to a greater variety of native plants, trees and habitats to attract animals, birds and insects, particularly bees. Bees are an essential part of the ecosystem and are vital to our economy, generating approx £177 million each year through pollination and sales of honey. But bees are struggling for survival - it is estimated that 20% of Scotland’s bees have disappeared over the last year. The decrease in bee numbers is believed to be due to pollutants and chemicals in the environment, loss of native habitat and low immune systems making them susceptible to disease. Lack of biodiversity is an issue that can be tackled locally, and everyone can make a difference with the greenspaces they have available to them. Whether a group wants to plant trees, wildflowers, bulbs or hedges, create a bog garden or encourage wildlife with boxes and feeders, ELGT might be able to help. The Trust can award funding to make practical biodiversity improvements and also help with planning the project and sourcing materials.