Environmental grants offered to Jersey people and firms

Jersey people and businesses who undertake environmental projects can apply for grants

Grants are being offered in Jersey to people and businesses who undertake environmental projects.

Applications for two schemes aimed at diversifying businesses and enhancing the island's environmental features will be accepted from 1 November.

The Countryside Enhancement Scheme and the Rural Initiative Scheme are part of the States of Jersey's Rural Economy Strategy for 2011-2015.

Both will be funded by the States and grants will be distributed in 2013.

The Countryside Enhancement Scheme is open to individuals, schools and other organisations that want to implement environmental projects.

The Rural Initiative Scheme is open to rural and marine companies that wish to diversify and improve their efficiency.

Deputy Carolyn Labey, assistant minister for economic development and the department of the environment, said the initiatives would help the island.

She said they were aimed at "providing support for the rural sector to enable them to safeguard the island's countryside and biodiversity and improve rural business efficiency and profitability".