An allotment group in Nottinghamshire has received a grant for £4,863 from the Severn Trent Community Fund.

Elston Parish Allotments has received a grant of £4,863 to create a new wildlife pond at their site, which will boost biodiversity and encourage more wildlife to the allotments. 

The pond will be developed on the edge of the existing community orchard and will include a shallow beach area, bench with wooden shelter to allow people to enjoy the natural environment and wildlife. 

The project will also include the installation of a rainwater capture system, to collect water from the pondside shelter, which will be used to both fill the pond - helping to mitigate the impact of more frequent drought conditions – as well as topping up containers to water the orchard.  

A team of volunteers will build the pond under the guidance and supervision of a wildlife pond expert, who has provided support and advice throughout the planning stages of the project. 

Helen Hulme from Elston Parish Allotments, said: “We’re exceedingly grateful for the funding from Severn Trent. 

“We’re really excited by this project, which we believe will have a significant positive impact on the biodiversity of the allotments as well as providing resilience against periods of hotter, drier weather. It will also add new skills for our volunteers, and we’ve contacted the local school who are interested in using the site as part of their Forest School project. 

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer said: “It's fantastic to see that allotment groups like these are putting in place project to help offset the impacts of the unfortunate reality of climate change that we’re all experiencing.  

“The benefits to peoples’ mental and physical health of having access to community allotments can't be overstated and we’re really pleased that our panel have chosen to support Elston Parish Allotments.”

To find out more about the Severn Trent Community Fund, visit stwater.co.uk and search for Community Fund.