Splash — Water Recreation Challenge Fund for Wales
The Environment Agency for Wales, a Quango sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, has launched Splash, a scheme to provide large and small grants to support projects throughout Wales that improve or promote public access to waterways, lakes, reservoirs and coastal areas. Grants can cover up to 100% of costs, the minimum being £5000. Applications are invited from voluntary and community groups, the public and private sector or individuals.
Improving access can be interpreted in many ways, for example the provision of physical aids to access for people with disabilities, providing pontoons for fisherfolk or educational or facilities guides.
Projects must meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Secure new or improved recreational access by the public to any stretch of river, canal, lake, reservoir or coast (including alongside as well as on the water).
• Help deliver improved access to water for a variety of water-based recreation purposes.
• Have the necessary planning permissions.
• Help deliver the strategic actions within Wales’ strategy for water-related recreation 2008-12.
• Involve a partnership of organisations seeking to develop or improve water-based recreation at specific locations.
• Feasibility studies examining the potential of specific water resources to deliver new or improved water-based recreation opportunities.
Smaller grants of between £5000 and £10,000 will be handled quickly and with the minimum of paperwork. But you will still need health and safety checks and to provide written access consent where agreements have been obtained from landowners. The emphasis will be on supporting capital work and facilities on bank sides and all activities should promote responsible and sustainable access.
How to apply.
There is a two-stage application process, the first of which is a basic eligibility check through an Expression of Interest Form. If you pass this first stage you will need to submit a full application and the grants panel meets monthly.
Full details are available at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/wales/1168208/2086430/
or by contacting Rhiannon Hardman at Environment Agency Wales on 029 2046 6241 (e-mail
sp****@en****************.uk
).
Closing date: Expression of Interest forms dealt with as received.
This information is provided by Fundinginformation.org, the online news, information and support service for fundraisers and funding advisers throughout the UK. For subscription details go to
www.fundinginformation.org
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