Fund of £50k to help fight climate change impact

The local authority says Surrey continues to face challenges including increased outdoor fires, species decline and projected increase in flooding

Funding is available to support environmental initiatives in Surrey to combat the growing impact of climate change.

Surrey County Council said community groups and parish and town councils could apply for a share of £50,000 to help restore habitats, enhance green spaces, reduce flooding and wildfires, and improve air quality.

The council said Surrey's environmental challenges included a 200% year-on-year increase in outdoor fires between June 2024 and June 2025.

Marisa Heath, cabinet member for environment, said that "11.5% of our native species are thought to be locally extinct, with more species declining in number".

"We know communities are in making local improvements, which is why we are offering this funding opportunity so they can tackle the impact of climate change," she added.

More than 50,000 homes are projected to be at risk of flooding within the next 25 years, double the number at risk today, according to the council.

Grants ranging from £500 to £5,000 are available to applicants and the deadline is 7 November.