SPEN CVP Biodiversity Microgrant

In March, 2025 our Community Council secured a £5000 biodiversity grant from Scottish Power Energy Networks

Part of the Grant was divided between three villages of Eccles Leitholm and Birgham to purchase planters and bedding plants for the summer.    This was well received by villagers with many being involved in planting/summer maintenance.     A portion of the grant was used to purchase equipment including a strimmer for Eccles to allow common areas to be maintained and hand tools for Leitholm who have an active environmental garden project.  As a consequence of this part of the grant spend Birgham won a Silver Award in the Scottish Borders Council Greener Gateway Awards in the Wee Village Catergory.    We recently purchased 420kg of daffodil bulbs from the Lincolnshire Bulb markets and these are currently being planted in each of our villages.  Over winter months Birgham are considering the best shrubs for pollinators to purchase and plant in the village and the residue of the grant will be used to purchase bug boxes to be sited in the three villages in the Spring.

The impact of the project included the enhancement of our villages through planting a wide selection of annual flowers which would benefit both villagers and pollinators alike, the engagement of our villagers in planting an maintenance providing a focus for Pride of Place. With the environmental theme of this grant emphasis has been on promoting pollinators with regard to many of the flowers and shrubs purchased.   

Bob Hope