Apply Now for Pebble Trust Funding

By theorkneynews on September 25, 2021

The Pebble Trust awards grants of up to £10,000 for projects in 2021-22 that contribute to reducing the impact of the Nature and Climate Emergencies.

Coll, Western Isles beach mini-cleanup, Save our Seas initiative. Organized by Surfers Against Sewage

The Trust covers the area of Scotland as defined by Highlands and Island Enterprise. The Charity’s Trustees have become so alarmed at the lack of progress in tackling the emergencies, despite the increasing urgency of the situation, that they have decided to encourage more, and more ambitious, projects.

People with ideas for small and larger projects can find a straightforward application form on the website www.pebbletrust.org.

Jo Cumming of the Pebble Trust explained:

“We are in the Decade of Action, COP26 is on the horizon. The UN’s latest report is a stark warning of the need for urgent action – the UN Secretary General said it was a ‘Code Red for Humanity’.

“We can all do more to help Scotland achieve its ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of Climate Change. Local initiatives provide the opportunity to demonstrate what is possible and can be scaled up.”

“Troo Peerie Eyes” from a Shetland schools nature films project developed during lockdown. Nature Nudge is an educational project which produces short nature learning videos with accompanying activity sheets. The videos supported and inspired curriculum linked outdoor learning for pupils, parents and teachers during the coronavirus lockdown period. Children, as individuals or with members of their household, are encouraged (nudged) to go outdoors, (maintaining social distancing) and do the suggested activity in nature. This project is available to all schools in Shetland, via the newly created Shetland Digital School Hub, hosted by GLOW and accessible to the public. As well as providing a page where the Vimeo videos are embedded, the hub provides a page where community members can submit, drawings, stories and photos of their time in the outdoors.

The Trust welcomes applications from people with ideas for more environmentally friendly, resilient, and sustainable living. Over the past 7 years the charity has supported over 60 projects, from Shetland to Mallaig and Nairn to Fort William. So far, the Trust has funded projects around growing food locally and reducing food miles; encouraging people to reduce food waste and increase local recycling; helping people to walk or cycle rather than use their car; reducing energy use and reliance on fossil fuel; and improving the quality and sustainability of our land and seas.

North Ronaldsay Community Farm

Transition North Ronaldsay CIC received funding to develop and support a community garden and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. This project will allow the community to invest and support growing sustainable fruit and vegetable produce in their isolated and remote community whilst also teaching the community new and transferable skills. By running the community garden project with a CSA they hope to find a balance which enhances community spirit, improves wellbeing as well as providing a communal space, an income stream for one FTE and securing the long term future of the community garden with less dependence on funding. Follow their progress on their Facebook page.

Penny Edwards Trustee and Founder said:

“Some government laws and policies can be too slow and inadequate to tackle the climate emergency. We believe many small projects can make a difference. We are keen to ensure that our grants are used to the greatest advantage; and are particularly committed to supporting smaller and medium sized grass-roots organisations which are effective at creating a more sustainable way of life. Our grant is often the catalyst that enables them to turn their ideas into reality.

The Trust is also interested in educational projects around climate change and sustainability, especially those that appeal to the young people whose future depends on the actions taken now.

Applicants vary: small community-based organisations with very limited resources but a strong vision for a more sustainable future; innovative individuals and small businesses with the skills and talent to develop products or services supporting greater sustainability; and larger organisations with the capacity to develop and implement more complex projects.

What all projects have in common is that they are led by passionate people working towards a better world.

The benefits of the grant scheme include:

a straightforward application process
a quick decision on whether or not the application meets the Trust’s criteria
feedback on the viability of applications and the opportunity to resubmit with a more robust proposal

The Trust is looking for projects that:

increase local resilience, involve others and reduce dependence on the global market
will be managed by someone with a track record of delivering results
provide value for money; have a breakdown of costs and other financials
are based on preliminary research and have a strong likelihood of success
share the learning and provide lasting benefits beyond the funded period
align with the circular economy by borrowing, reusing, recycling, instead of always buying new

The Pebble Trust is based in Culbokie, near Dingwall. The Trustees have a vision of a more sustainable, equal and low-carbon society, where constraints on fossil fuels lead to a more localised economy with stronger, more resilient, communities. Where human activities take account of climate change and the wider environment.

More information on the Trustees, activities, grants and projects visit www.thepebbletrust.org.

Timberness. The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Scotland set up an accessible wood workshop providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for individuals to learn about timber recycling, upcycling and repurposing. The participants have gained a wide range of new practical skills and knowledge with the added benefits of reducing social isolation, building confidence, increasing physical activity and working on projects to benefit the local community
Protect our Seas. A film by the Our Seas Coalition campaigning for change in the way Scottish inshore waters are managed and protected
Pocket Orchards, Wester Ross, set up a network of small community orchards across the project area (defined as from Applecross to Achnasheen and northwards to Dundonnell). Sites are, where possible, readily accessible on foot by all ages and abilities. This is not ‘guerilla planting’. Landowners and the local authority are agreeing and collaborating on sites. As soon as trees produce enough fruit community events focus on celebrating, collecting and using the produce
Peffery Way is a safe cycling route between Strathpeffer and Dingwall constructed by volunteers along a disused railway line.
“Helmsdale Kitchen Garden would like to thank The Pebble Trust for their generous support in enabling us to continue to realise our dreams of creating and expanding a sustainable community garden”
MOO Incredible Edible, Muir-of-Ord, developed an under used and overlooked area of land near the railway track in Muir of Ord into a community garden and growing space for the community. This site is a key growing space for MOO Food to produce seasonal, organic food for sale and for the community. Furthermore, it enables people in the village to have a supported (sharing tools, knowledge and expertise) space to grow food for themselves and their families.
Atlas Arts Oyster Table. Part of the CLIMAVORE project on Skye fostering interest and understanding in the importance of sustainable aquaculture practice.