In 2021, HS2’s Community & Environment Funds (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Funds (BLEF) opened for eligible projects along the Phase 2a line of route between the West Midlands and Crewe.
Over the summer Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council in Crewe launched the #QueenBee campaign to improve the local environment for bees and pollinating insects, including distributing wildflower seeds to residents, installing flowerbeds, building bug houses and organising educational workshops with beekeepers.
Cathy Elliott, Independent Chair of the HS2 Funds said:
“The #QueenBee project has shown a real focus on their community and is a great example of the kind of organisation that deserves to receive funding through HS2’s Community & Environment Fund.
"Residents, schools and community groups can take part in a community-wide project that will enhance their understanding of the local environment and enable them to enjoy the outdoors together.”
Multiple local community groups have already contributed to the project including Shavington Academy, Shavington Primary School, St Mark’s Church, The Methodist Church, 2nd Shavington Brownies, Shavington Scouts, St Mark’s Toddler Group, Little Woodpeckers, Woodnoth-cum-Shavington Women’s Institute, GLOW, Rope Green Nursery, Roundabouts Nursery and Shavington Festival Committee.
Benjamin Gibbs, Chair of Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council, said:
"I am delighted that Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council was awarded funding from HS2 towards our #QueenBee project.
"This funding has allowed us to work alongside many groups in our community on conservation projects, including wildflower planting, educational workshops, sunflower growing, a mindfulness nature trail, art competition and more."
The #QueenBee project has joined an expanding list of Crewe organisations who are already benefiting from increased investment in their local community.
Manor Park Sailing Club, based in Kings Bromley, became the first organisation on Phase 2a of HS2 between West Midlands and Crewe to receive £9,735 funding to help complete its clubhouse refurbishments. In Stone, the Crown Wharf Theatre was awarded £75,000 to help build a new auditorium and community space for the town on the former Joule’s Brewery site.
This HS2 funding programme are administered by independent community charity Groundwork UK, and funding is available to community groups impacted by the construction of HS2.
You can find the most up-to-date public information on local projects funded through HS2's Community & Environment (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Funds (BLEF) using the HS2 Funds map:
https://hs2funds.org.uk/home/projects-funded-by-hs2-funds/#more-2397
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