Galloper Wind Farm Fund Case Studies:
Leiston Community Land Trust
The Galloper Wind Farm Fund (GWFF) aims to contribute to the appearance, setting, conservation, amenity, accessibility, and enjoyment of the Suffolk Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape specifically within the area defined as a 5km radius of Sizewell, the location of the Galloper substation.
The fund is administered by Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape on behalf of Galloper Wind Farm Ltd and is held by Suffolk County Council. A Panel meets once a year, usually in spring, to assess projects and award grants.
Any individuals, organisations or community groups within the catchment area can apply for funding from the GWFF if they can demonstrate their project conserves and enhances the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape.
For the 2021-22 funding year, £3,600 has been awarded to the Leiston Community Land Trust to facilitate the Leiston Church Square Community Garden project.
The money awarded to support the project will help regenerate a redundant, neglected piece of land in the heart of Leiston, in to an accessible community garden and recreational amenity. The project aims to provide a fit-for-purpose,multi-functional, public facility which ensures that community groups will have a place to meet and participate in various health, wellbeing, cultural and artistic activities.
Community groups, such as the Allotment Shedders, will be able to enjoy the space for years to come and the church garden’s High Street location makes it a key site for an open public space.
It is hoped the project will enhance the aesthetics of the area and attract visitors to the market town to help support the local economy,in addition to the environment benefits of creating more green space for people and wildlife.
The Leiston Community Land Trust said: "The Leiston Community Land Trust would like to thank the GWFF and Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape for its generous contribution to making Leiston a greener and more attractive place to spend time.
The Trustees of the LCLT are passionate in their desire to regenerate Leiston’s Town Centre and create an inclusive and well planned environment for residents and visitors alike. The Church Square Community Garden project is the first step along this path which, if all goes to plan, will see work begin in September.
The GWFF and Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape donation of £3,600 is a very welcome addition toward our projected garden cost of £300,000.