Essex & Suffolk Water has opened the doors for funding of its recently expanded environmental scheme and has cash up for grabs to support local deserving projects.
The company's Branch Out scheme was set up in 2013 to support local community groups, organisations and individuals with projects benefiting the natural environment here in Essex, Suffolk and East London.
Projects that have received funds from the initiative range from the restoration of some of the most threatened habitats, to creating new outdoor environments - including tree planting and supporting endangered species.
Essex & Suffolk Water Conservation and Land Manager, Miranda Cooper, said: "Our Branch Out programme is making a positive difference and helping local projects reconnect habitats for the benefit of communities and wildlife.
"We're immensely proud of our initiative and delighted to have recently expanded it. The two new strands of additional funding should really help reverse declines in biodiversity loss and provide renewed effort to help tackle invasive non-native species across our region.
"This will all help build resilience, which is essential for supporting a healthy natural environment and for us to supply clear, great tasting drinking water.
"It's fantastic we can support local groups, organisations and charities in helping to make a difference to the communities we serve. I'd urge anyone with a deserving project, who is seeking funding, to apply."
Essex & Suffolk Water has recently supported a number of organisations and is encouraging new applications for the next round of funding.
Gill Taylor, Operations Director at Groundwork East, said: "Applying for Branch Out funding was relatively straight-forward and we were delighted when we found out our application had been successful.
"The £2,000 funding will contribute towards a new multi-agency partner project, Yellow Fish in the Waveney, which is aimed at helping to raise awareness and improving river quality.
"Our upcoming project will engage with the local community, identifying factors that can impact on the environment, and how we can all play our part in protecting river systems. We'll be working in and around Beccles, Bungay, and the villages south of the river. We're really grateful for the funding from Essex & Suffolk Water."
Projects can also be supported by Essex & Suffolk Water's employee volunteering programme, Just an Hour, which allows employees to support community and charitable causes close to their hearts.
Gary King, who is a Senior Ranger at Essex County Council, said: "We are thrilled to receive £5,000 of Branch Out funding towards our Hadleigh Park Grassland project to contribute towards restoring 3.5 hectares of species-rich grassland by 2025.
"This project will help to enhance the environment and biodiversity in the area. The Branch Out programme is a great initiative by Essex & Suffolk Water and I'd encourage others to apply."
For more information and to apply for Branch Out funding, visit: www.nwg.co.uk/responsibility/environment/branch-out-funds/