PEBBLE is a new fund created to actively encourage and enhance biodiversity in the local environment.

Three levels of funding ranging from £500 to £10,000 is available to organisations keen to enhance biodiversity within the Cambridge Water area of supply.

Projects can include anything that is designed to improve, restore or create new habitats and must be of benefit to the environment and/or the local community.

For example:

• Creating a pond to provide a home for plants and animals
• Planting a garden with species that provide habitats for wildlife such as birds or butterflies
• Transforming an area of neglected, derelict or overgrown space with the addition of new plant species
• Improving the habitat of local rivers and streams through improvements to the channel, banks and flow

Dan Clark, Water Resources and Environment Manager for Cambridge Water, said: “At Cambridge Water, we recognise the importance of the local environment, and the part we play in the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.

“Increasing the variety of natural living things and the diversity of the habitats where they live not only benefits wildlife, it can also enhance local communities and our open spaces.”

Applications are welcomed from schools, youth groups, charities or community organisations. They must either own the land or have permission from the landowner for the project and the work cannot have already taken place.