Grant News
Wessex Water has announced that its Environment Fund has reopened for applications until 18 May 2026. Wessex Water is the regional water and sewerage company serving the south west of England, and the fund supports small community-based projects that deliver practical environmental improvements in local areas.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months. The programme is designed to support work that improves the local environment and helps communities become more sustainable. To receive funding, projects must demonstrate one or more of the following outcomes:
- involve local people in environmental activity
- restore, maintain or enhance the natural environment
- encourage communities to support nature locally
- reduce water use, improve sustainability or strengthen biodiversity
Priority is given to projects that:
- reduce water usage
- improve environmental sustainability*
- improve local biodiversity.
Eligible applicants include voluntary and community groups with charitable aims, registered charities, community interest companies with an average annual income below £500,000 over the past three years, as well as schools and parish councils where there is clear community benefit.
Applicants must be based in and working within the Wessex Water region. Funding can be used for project and core costs, including equipment, salaries and overheads, where these contribute to environmental benefit. The fund is intended to support local communities and environmental beneficiaries across the south west.
Applications must be made through the relevant Community Foundation in the south west rather than directly to Wessex Water. These are:
- Dorset Community Foundation
- Quartet Community Foundation
- Somerset Community Foundation
- Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation
Previous projects supported through the fund have included:
- Wiltshire Bat Group received funding to carry out dung beetle surveys at five locations to assess prey availability for greater horseshoe bats.
- St Philips Marsh Nursery School in Bristol secured support to improve its outdoor learning environment for local children and the wider community.
- Root Connections in Somerset was funded to teach children about beekeeping and increase their knowledge of pollinators and the environment.
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