The Wiltshire & Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) has taken an important step in boosting wildlife recording and environmental education efforts in the region.
Through its recently launched Small Grants Scheme, WSBRC has awarded its first three grants to local organisations and individuals. These grants aim to provide much-needed support to volunteers and voluntary nature groups who often face limitations in funding and resources.
The Small Grants Scheme, introduced in March by WSBRC, focuses on supporting and encouraging the collection of species records in Wiltshire and Swindon. The scheme aims to enhance the availability of resources and equipment necessary for environmental education and species monitoring. By providing funding for essential equipment, the WSBRC hopes to empower volunteers and nature groups in their important work.
The first three grant recipients are the Salisbury & District Natural History Society, Marc Taylor – County Recorder for Diptera (Flies), and the Codford Hedgehog Project. The Salisbury & District Natural History Society plans to use the funding to acquire their own equipment, enabling them to organise more events and engage with children and teenagers. By fostering a connection between people and nature, the society aims to raise awareness about the diverse biodiversity in and around Salisbury.
Marc Taylor, the County Recorder for Diptera, emphasises the significance of the grant in supporting his work and the recording of species, “This grant has enabled me to purchase essential equipment for recording Diptera and other species in support of my work as a County Recorder.
“I look forward to sharing my time using the equipment with volunteers and others looking to either begin their biological recording journey or, if not setting out, refining their skills by accompanying me in the field using it.
“The information gathered will be a useful contribution to national and regional data and at a local level for WSBRC’s database of species for our home county”.
Continuing Support and Encouragement: The WSBRC is committed to providing regular grants through the Small Grants Scheme, enabling the recording of various biological groups such as moths, bats, mammals, and plants. They encourage individuals and nature groups with similar objectives to submit their applications.
For more information and to apply for a grant, visit the WSBRC website.
