Wildlife projects get £1.5m boost

Wildlife projects across the east are to benefit from a £1.5m scheme to help protect threatened species and habitats in the region.

The Enriching Nature programme will be run by the SITA Trust, which will distribute the money through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.

For the next three years £500,000 will be allocated to projects annually.

The RSPB has already been given £25,000 to restore the Mid Yare floodplain and reed beds, part of the Norfolk Broads.

National priority

Funds will be allocated to both small and large-scale projects; up to £25,000 and £175,000 respectively.

Enriching Nature is supporting species and habitats that have been identified as a national priority by Biodiversity Action Plans.

Keith Duff, chief scientist at English Nature, said: "The commitment of landfill tax credits to biodiversity projects over the next three years is an immensely exciting prospect.

"It has the potential to transform the rate at which targets for priority habitats and species are achieved in England."

The landfill tax legislation also brought about the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.

This scheme allows landfill operators to voluntarily donate 6% of their landfill tax liability to environmental improvement projects.