Several local organisations have received an early festive gift, with the award of the first Watercress and Winterbournes Community Grants. This grant scheme supports community-led projects that protect, enhance, or celebrate the chalk stream headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen.
We're excited to share details of the first brilliant projects to receive funding. Each will be run within the stream catchments and focus on habitats, heritage, or community engagement and understanding. The recipients have one year to deliver their projects, so look out for updates on their progress!
Living by the Ash Tree Waters - Andover Trees United
Grant: £5,000
Andover Trees United is a volunteer-led group and registered charity working in partnership with schools, local authorities, businesses, specialist environmental organisations, artists, and other creative practitioners to promote conservation and improve access to natural wild spaces.
Its project, 'Living by the Ash Tree Waters', will connect the people of Andover, Appleshaw, and Vernham Dean with their local chalk streams. Musical workshops will culminate in performances of stream-themed traditional songs, and artist-led walks will explore the ecology and cultural heritage of the streams while informing the design of engagement resources for young people.
Learn more about Andover Trees United
North Hampshire Bat Box Project - Hampshire Bat Group
Grant: £2,000
Hampshire Bat Group is a registered charity made up of volunteer members. As a partner group to the Bat Conservation Trust, it aims to promote and support bat conservation in Hampshire and to raise public awareness about these fascinating animals.
Its project will install around 35 woodcrete bat boxes along our local chalk streams. The abundant insect life of the streams makes them rich feeding grounds for many native bat species, all of which are under pressure from human activity. By providing safe roosting places, the boxes will help our resident bat populations to thrive, and possibly even to expand their ranges.
Learn more about Hampshire Bats
Eel House Interpretation - New Alresford Town Trust
Grant: £3,090
New Alresford Town Trust is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the people of Alresford. It manages a number of heritage features, provides small grants, runs a community minibus service, and organises events like the Thursday Markets and the New Alresford Fair.
Its project will enhance one of the River Arle's key heritage features: the Eel House. This historic building is almost unique in the UK, and shares its story through special open days. The project will create portable display boards and an information booklet focused on the European eel; an amazing species which is increasingly threatened by human activity.
Learn more about New Alresford Town Trust
Arle Together - The Watercress Way Charity
Grant: £3,729
The Watercress Way Charity is a volunteer-led organisation focused on managing a 27-mile walking trail called the Watercress Way. Regular activities include access improvements, guided walks, maintenance work, and biodiversity monitoring.
Its project, 'Arle Together', will offer a programme of events ranging from guided walks to art activities. Each will create opportunities to explore, enjoy, and learn about the River Arle, its wildlife, and its heritage. The project will also allow the charity to develop further by establishing a community steering group and a volunteering programme.
Learn more about the Watercress Way
Got a great project idea?
The Watercress and Winterbournes Community Grant Scheme is ongoing, and we'd love to hear from groups or organisations with bright ideas of their own. Your project could create wildlife habitat, improve public access, survey biodiversity, or engage people through art. Applications for the next funding round close on Monday 4 April 2022, so you have lots of time to get inspired!