DEADLINE NOW EXTENDED TO 30/10/20 - apply now at: www.one-community.org.uk

Now in its fourth year of operation the Bright Green Community Trust (BGCT) is inviting applications from community-based groups in the Holme Valley for grants which can help deliver projects to reduce carbon emissions and build awareness of climate change. Around £50,000 has already been claimed by groups as diverse as Thongsbridge Tennis club and Holmfirth Arts Festival.  Last year, River Holme Connections, a charity dedicated to improving the environment in the valley won a grant for £3,000 which allowed the planting of native trees and hedges. Honley-based Eden’s Forest group received £9,800 to create a model solar, wind and hydro generating system and run school sessions to show children how renewable energy systems can help reduce production of climate changing gases.

The money for BGCT is generated by a wind turbine located at Longley Farm. In 2015, a partnership of Longley Farm, HoTT (Holmfirth Transition Town) and 180 (mostly local) investors set up the scheme which supplies green energy to the dairy and the national grid, saving about 287 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. A portion of the money generated goes to fund community projects, with the rest going to investors.

This year a record £30,000 is available - groups can request amounts of up to £3,000 for work or equipment which will actively reduce our carbon footprint in this valley.  Requests can cover a whole project or be a contribution to something bigger.  One grant for £10,000 may be awarded to a group with a really ambitious plan which will reduce carbon emissions and build awareness of climate change in the Valley.

Applications for grants can be made from 20th August - 18th September at www.one-community.org.uk and advice on how to apply is available from the Holmfirth Transition Towns group  info@hott.org.uk