Grants empower local communities to boost biodiversity across West Northamptonshire

14 November 2025

Photo of small plants with a green yellow background

Communities across West Northamptonshire are set to benefit from new projects that will enhance open spaces, thanks to £10,000 funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The Biodiversity Grant Scheme, delivered by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership NCALC (Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils), provides small parish councils with resources to create wildlife-friendly spaces that improve health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

With a total budget of £10,000, the scheme invited parish councils with a Council Tax precept of £25,000 or less to submit proposals for projects that would create or enhance habitats such as woodlands, orchards, ponds, and streams. Each project could apply for up to £2,500.

After careful review, seven projects have been approved with funding, reflecting the creativity and commitment of local communities to nature recovery. These projects include initiatives such as wildflower meadow creation, pond installation, hedgehog highways, and community orchards.

Successful projects include:

Scaldwell Parish Council – Wildflower and Pond Project
Aston Le Walls Parish Council – Daisy Bank Pocket Park Regeneration
East Farndon Parish Council – Churchyard Biodiversity Project
Staverton Parish Council – Community Orchard
Litchborough Parish Council – Hedgehog Highway and Nest Boxes
Lamport & Hanging Houghton Parish Council – Wildlife Space in Churchyard
Sibbertoft Parish Council – Peace Park Enhancement

These projects will contribute to West Northamptonshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy by creating stepping stones for wildlife, improving connectivity across green infrastructure corridors, and promoting community engagement with nature.

"Providing funding to our parish councils is vital in enabling them to deliver projects that create real, lasting benefits for their communities. These grants for smaller parishes give local people the resources they need to take practical action, enhancing biodiversity, improving green spaces, and strengthening community wellbeing. I’m delighted to see such inspiring initiatives moving forward and look forward to the positive impact they will bring."Cllr Nigel Stansfield, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste

Emails have been sent to all participating parish councils, and work will begin shortly on these exciting initiatives.

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