THE New Forest Trust has awarded £10,000 to community conservation projects.

The New Forest Ninth Centenary Trust will use the funds to help run a tailored education service that will be focusing exclusively on the New Forest and its natural and social history.

This will enable more than 1,700 children to receive 50 days of educational time.

The New Forest Land Advice Service will use its grant to deliver a programme of habitat improvement and water quality measures along the river Blackwater, where Himalayan balsam infestation is causing a problem.

Both projects received funding to support their work over two years.

Community wildlife plans project officer Angela Peters said: “So far this year around 500m of the rivers edges have been cleared by 14 local wildlife champions who regularly come out on the tasks.”

If you have a project that supports the ethos of the New Forest Trust, they are currently accepting grant applications from £500 to £10,000.

The grant scheme is intended to give local organisations improved access to funding and more capacity to respond to local issues and needs.

Visit newforest trust.org.uk/contact/apply-for-grant for further information on how to apply.