Green Shropshire Xchange, who champion environmental work across the county, have been awarded a lump sum by The Big Lottery Fund.

The Big Lottery Fund aims to enable others to make real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and is the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. Green Shropshire Xchange will use the money to support new projects which will contribute to a sustainable future for Shropshire

Small grants are available for groups and all are welcome to apply. Applications are expected from a wide range of community-focussed organisations including scouts, schools, church groups and town councils.

To meet the funding criteria, projects must result in measureable environmental change, involve practical activity, raise awareness and be sustainable and innovative. Suggestions so far have included creating a new orchard, opening a village shop, a food-share project and increasing access to bicycles and cycling.

Jenna Blair, GSX Coordinator says “GSX are really pleased to be able to offer local groups a helping hand in getting an environmentally beneficial project up and running. All are welcome to send in a proposal.”

For more information on how to apply, email info@greenshropshirexchange.org.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @GreenShrops