The Trust’s work to connect communities with nature in Ayrshire as been awarded £37,554 from the ScottishPower Foundation.

This welcome funding will help us support volunteers and community groups to deliver activities to boost biodiversity and improve access to the green spaces in their area. As well as improving the well-being of a wide range of local people, the project will equip them with the skills and knowledge to protect nature in their neighbourhood in the future. 

Community Engagement Officer Harry Richards said: “Support from the ScottishPower Foundation will help us continue to involve people in caring for their local wild places, particularly the Trust’s ten wildlife reserves in the region. We will also be able to support some of the many fantastic community-based conservation projects in Ayrshire.  

“By working together to plant trees, restore ponds and build bug hotels we can make a positive difference for local wildlife at a time when it needs our help more than ever. Helping volunteers get involved in conservation can also make a huge difference to their lives, from gaining new skills and experiences to simply giving them a place to meet and socialise with others.” 

“By working together to plant trees, restore ponds and build bug hotels we can make a positive difference for local wildlife at a time when it needs our help more than ever.”

Harry Richards

The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 to make a significant and lasting contribution to society, enhancing the lives of people living in communities throughout the UK. It provides funding to help support the advancement of education, environmental protection, arts and culture and citizenship. It also supports charities who aim to provide relief from poverty, disability, or other disadvantages.  

This year’s Foundation-funded projects – which support art and culture, education and empowerment, citizenship and society, and biodiversity and climate change – were selected on the basis of the significant and lasting contributions they will make to society, while enhancing people’s quality of life. 

Almost £9.2 million has been awarded to successful charities since the Foundation was established in 2013. 

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Once again, we were overwhelmed by the extraordinary work being delivered in our communities – day in and day out – and we’re very proud to support this year’s charities. The ScottishPower Foundation is committed to supporting projects that make a hugely positive impact on people’s lives and that’s what these organisations do in abundance. 

“From improving education to promoting environmental protection and enhancing lives, the charities we’re supporting this year are doing truly transformative work. 

“We know that throughout these challenging times, people are relying on the support of charities more than ever before, and with the help of the ScottishPower Foundation, this year’s projects can go further and make a difference for more people.”