Spotlight on: Manifold Community Action for Nature
Manifold CAN are a community action group in the beautiful Manifold Valley in the Staffordshire Moorlands. They want to celebrate the nature of the valley, but at the same time understand the challenges that the local biodiversity faces and find positive solutions that work for both nature and the local community.
A recent meeting attracted 40 people to talk about monitoring activities, to begin to understand the water quality and local wildlife, with speakers from the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and local residents. Their next steps are to set dates for Riverfly monitoring training, and to discuss ways that Severn Trent Water can support the local community.
Funding: Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund
Grants are available for community groups, charities, schools and other organisations supporting tree-planting projects.
Grants awarded can range from £2,500 to £15,000.
Funding priorities must align with ‘trees and people’. This includes projects with strong community development, involvement of community volunteers in planting, and projects demonstrating plans to continue aftercare plans to give the trees the best chance of life possible. More guidance can be found on The Tree Council‘s website.
Resources and events
Event: ‘How to run accessible and inclusive cooking classes’ – a workshop with Dr Sunni Patel. This workshop is for anyone who wants to run cooking classes in their local community, and wants to learn how to make them as accessible and inclusive to all. Monday 24th February, 1.30-3.30pm, Cannock Chase Leisure Centre. For more information or to book, contact Nicola Lynes: [email protected]
Event: Staffordshire Invertebrate Science Fair, Monday 1st March, 10am-4pm, Catalyst Building (University of Staffordshire). This free event is a great family day out, with plenty of stalls and activities for children and adults, and a wide variety of speakers to talk about a range of bug-related topics. No need to book, just drop in!
Event: ‘Celebration of the Possible’ conference, Friday 14th March, Lichfield Cathedral. Join The Globe Group CIC and partners for the second annual conference to bring together communities, councils, public sector and local residents to discuss how we all work better together to meet our aims to make Staffordshire a happier, healthier place to live. Book your free ticket here: https://staffordshirecop.com/
