Good news for Wildlife groups in Cairngorms National Park

Giving a helping hand to wildlife in the Cairngorms National Park has become easier than ever.

Community groups and non-profit making organisations applying to the Cairngorms National Park Authority for funding for projects that benefit wildlife will now find the whole process smoother and faster.

The Biodiversity Grant scheme has been running in the Park for several years, with scores of non-profit making organisations applying for grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which encourage wildlife to flourish.

Biodiversity officer Justin Prigmore explained: “Community groups applying for money for projects have had to face some difficult questions on the grant application form in the past, so we have decided to simplify it to make it as easy as possible.

“In addition we have shortened the approval process so projects can get off the ground much faster. From having the idea to getting funding to enable you to put it into action will now take just a few weeks whereas before it might have taken two months!”

He added: “The Biodiversity Grant scheme has always encouraged local people to enhance wildlife in the area where they live in but we are now hoping that the reduction in red tape will tempt more people into doing their bit for local wildlife.

“The aim of the scheme is to create positive benefits for the environment in line with the aims of the Cairngorms National Park and the Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).”

Anyone who wants to apply for a grant should email [email protected] or [email protected] or telephone them on 01479 870528.