GRANTS up to the value of £3,000 are now available through Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Projects Team.

The Discovering Worcestershire Community Grants scheme encourages local communities to identify, protect and celebrate what is special about their area.

The Community Grant provides financial help to communities wanting to develop a Discovering Worcestershire project in their area and can help at every stage of the project's development from initial consultation to practical implementation.

Discovering Worcestershire Grants are divided into two schemes - a start-up grant or an implementation grant.

Start-up cash

Start-up grants are for the maximum of £1,000 and can be linked to costs such as project promotion, advertising to gain community interest or the cost of a speaker, or expert assistance to advise or encourage community projects.

The maximum implementation grant is £2,000. This can be spent on materials, labour and hiring equipment.

Projects must be inspired and led by community groups and can relate to the natural or built environment, cultural or social-economic heritage, or a combination of all these.

One successful project application in the Worcester City area this year is Herefordshire and Worcestershire RIGS Group - The group is producing a Building Stones Trail Guide for Worcester Cathedral to raise awareness about geology, the landscape and the use of local materials in building.

More information about the Grants Scheme or free advice from 01905 766493.