Severn Trent is inviting applications for a share of £250,000 in funding to boost biodiversity projects.

The water company, which supplies much of Gloucestershire, is looking to support community-based nature projects which may have hit financial problems due to the pandemic.

Projects must be more than half a hectare and are ready to go.

Severn Trent senior diversity co-ordinator Zara Frankton said: "We understand the devastating impact this pandemic has had on communities across the region.

"We want to help, which is why we're encouraging people to come forward with their ideas and apply for this extra funding, to boost biodiversity in their area.

"We're open to any ideas, but the more creative the better. Previous projects have included wetland restoration, hedgerow planting, wildflower meadow creation and habitat management for native birds and mammals."

She continued: "To qualify for this funding, these projects must be completed by March 31, so applicants will need to make sure their ideas and proposals are shovel ready.

"We'll also consider projects that have already started but weren't able to be completed, perhaps because they ran into financial difficulty. We need these projects up and running by the Spring to give habitat and other wildlife the best chance to thrive."

This funding is part of Severn Trent's Great Big Nature Boost - an ambitious scheme launched back in September, which includes plans to revive over 5,000 hectares of land, plant 1.3 million trees and restore 2,000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.

To apply for funding, email ecologymatters@severntrent.co.uk