The Chiltern Society and Chilterns Conservation Board receive £294,000 grant

It's part of the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund

Author: Lauren WattPublished 30th Jul 2021

The Chiltern Society and the Chilterns Conservation Board’s project have been awarded a grant from the government’s £40 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

The money will help fund schemes developed by the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project focussing on chalk streams and wetland habitats across the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The work will include practical restoration and enhancement with education and engagement projects.

By connecting both nature and people, their aim is to secure a healthy future for chalk streams and for the people, communities and businesses of both the Chilterns AONB, and nearby urban areas.

Elaine King, Chief Executive Officer, The Chilterns Conservation Board said:

“We are delighted to be awarded this funding, which creates two jobs with a key partner, the Chiltern Society, and increases the capacity and resilience of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project and other local organisations. By connecting nature and people, we aim to secure a healthy future for chalk streams and for the people, communities and businesses of both the Chilterns AONB, and nearby urban areas.”

Tom Beeston, Chiltern Society Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to be working in such close partnership with the Chilterns Conservation Board and other partners on this critical project. It provides a much needed and immediate boost in activity of works to protect our internationally rare and endangered chalk stream habitats. Longer term, it facilitates the building of volunteer capacity to continue that much needed protection and awareness building for chalk streams and wetlands over the coming decades.”

The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change.

Projects, spread across England, will see trees planted and protected landscapes and damaged habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests restored, alongside wider conservation work

The grants will also support environmental education, connect people with green spaces and help to create and retain thousands of green jobs.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.