Bird enthusiasts around Harborough can now collect nocturnal data of birds and wildlife thanks to environment grant

Bird enthusiasts around Harborough are flying high after they have been boosted by a grant of over £1,100 to buy a new high-tech camera.

Stanford Ringing Group is delighted after being awarded a SHIRE Environment Grant of £1,167 by Leicestershire County Council.

Based at Stanford Reservoir, near South Kilworth, the volunteers are licensed to ring wild birds.

Until recently they had limited vital data about the breeding numbers of endangered ground nesting species.

But now they have been able to buy a thermal imaging camera, which uses heat to form an image of birds and mammals in total darkness and has helped them to ring two new species already.

David Neal, the treasurer for Stanford Ringing Group, said: “With this new revolutionary method of obtaining nocturnal data of birds and wildlife, we will be able to support our local farmers and community by providing them with important data.”

The SHIRE scheme offers grants to support the local environment and reduce household waste.

Cllr Blake Pain, the county council’s cabinet member for action on climate change, said: “Leicestershire’s collective mission is to reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of household waste we produce whilst also increasing our biodiversity throughout the county.

“The SHIRE Environment Grant enables community groups and organisations to make fantastic environmental changes and helps Leicestershire towards its goal of becoming a net zero carbon emissions place to live by 2045.

“Everyone can play their part in achieving this goal and I would encourage more groups to apply for a grant.”

The grant will only be available for projects where the main beneficiaries are residents of Leicestershire, excluding Leicester City and Rutland.

And schemes should help cut the amount of household waste or greenhouse gas emissions within communities, improve biodiversity or support sustainable green spaces.

A simplified application process is also available for smaller grants of up to £300.

The deadline for the next round of funding is Friday February 26.

For further information and how to apply, visit https://www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/grants/environment-grant.html or email [email protected]