Severn Trent is looking to support projects that have a positive impact on the region’s rivers as part of its Community Fund’s new Get River Positive focus. 

Back in March, the water company announced a series of five commitments to Get River Positive, leading the charge in transforming river health across the region. In addition to pledging that its operations will not be the reason for unhealthy rivers in the region by 2030, the company also pledged to support others to improve and care for rivers, with the Severn Trent Community Fund being key to achieving this. 

Applications are now open, with the Fund already supporting two Get River Positive projects across the region this year.

Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: “While we don’t own our region's rivers, we have an important role to play in improving river health, and we’re really keen to hear about unique projects that are committed to making rivers better places for both local wildlife and communities. We hope that the fund will create some fantastic opportunities for projects right across the region to join us in leading positive change for our region’s rivers. 

“We’ve already supported brilliant projects in both Mansfield and Matlock this year which will both have a positive impact on the local environment and we’d love to hear about more projects across our region that would benefit from a little help.”

The Forest Town Nature Conservation Group in Mansfield was awarded £45,000 last month to support its project to improve water quality and biodiversity at Spa Ponds Nature Reserve in the town. The project will also see volunteers monitor biodiversity in and around the ponds and river - recording evidence of water quality improvements.

And in August, The Arkwright Society in Matlock successfully applied for a £199,093 grant towards a project that that will see hydropower return to the site of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill at Cromford Mills in Matlock. Water source heat pumps will also be installed to provide heating to the site as part of the project.

Shlomo Dowen, Chair of Forest Town Nature Conservation Group, said: “By improving water quality in the ponds we’re protecting and enhancing water quality in the River Maun. 

“The funding from Severn Trent’s Community Fund has allowed us to make a dream come true – we've long wanted to improve visitor experience and biodiversity and this money will enable us to do that.

“I would urge any group that has a good idea to speak to Severn Trent’s Community Fund officers to see if it’s worth applying for a grant.”

Grants from the Severn Trent Community Fund are available to non-profit organisations and local charities with new projects to improve the wellbeing of communities in the Severn Trent region. Funding ranges from £2,000 to £200,000 linking to one or more of the following themes:

• People: Projects that help people to lead a healthier life and gain new skills

• Places: Projects that help to create better places to live in and use

• Environment: Projects that help look after our natural environment

To find out more about the Community Fund, and how to apply, please visit www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund or get in touch with the team at communityfund@severntrent.co.uk.