In what is believed to be a UK first, a council has linked up with a website to tell local environmentalists about its green initiatives.

Wandsworth Council has a dedicated page on Project Dirt (Projectdirt.com) - an online network which allows green projects to interact with other environmentalists and learn from their experiences.

The website allows the public to get involved.

The venture - the first time a local authority has used a third-party environmental network - is now live, with the first council news alerting green organisations on how to apply for an Eco-fund grant.

Up to £5,000 is available to residents to help fund green projects which primarily focus on waste reduction projects - in turn helping reduce the council’s disposal costs and keep council taxes low.

The fund will also consider CO2 reduction projects, sustainable transport initiatives and ideas that improve the local environment.

There are around 25 Wandsworth-based projects on the website, many of which are expected to apply for funding.

On the website there are also links to other council green projects, such as the Green Pledge scheme and Green Champions.

Project Dirt co-founder, Mark Shearer, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome the Wandsworth Eco-Fund on to Project Dirt. Making available small amounts of seed funding to the projects will really help them reach their objectives. We’re delighted in the role Project Dirt can play for both Wandsworth Council and also the members on the site.”

Executive member for the environment at Wandsworth Council, Sarah McDermott, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the website. It will enable us to communicate with environmental groups and local people who are trying to make a difference.”

For more go to projectdirt.com/page/wandsworth-council.

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