On Air Now

Paddy @ Breakfast

6:00am - 10:00am

  • 01723 336444

Now Playing

Whitby Mine Owners Help Fund Climate Change Plans

The Woodsmith Foundation has awarded grants totalling £61,300 to support climate change initiatives in North Yorkshire.

The foundation is an independent charity funded by Anglo American’s Woodsmith Project, the polyhalite mine under construction near Whitby.  Formerly known as the Sirius Minerals Foundation, it has supported community projects in Scarborough Borough and the North York Moors National Park, with over a million pounds of donations since it started its work in 2017.

Thirteen organisations were awarded funding this month for climate change related projects, with the successful projects including the eradication of disposable plastics at a sports club, refurbishments to cut the carbon footprint of community buildings, workshops to help local people learn about environmental sustainability, support for community volunteers to set up small climate action projects, and a school project to help children learn about climate change.

Will Woods, Woodsmith Foundation Trustee, said:

“The Foundation is keen to support local people to take action on climate change in their own communities and beyond.

“This grant round gave people who had an idea the resources to put it into action. From reducing use of plastics to local education projects – many small changes can add up to a big difference.”

One organisation who received funding was Pannett Art Gallery in Whitby, whose environmental superhero, Envirogirl, visited six primary schools to inspire the young participants to adopt small changes that help to improve the environment.  Another recipient, Danby Village Hall (pictured), used the money to install double glazing and draught free doors.

Liz Lonsdale, from the Danby Village Hall committee, said: 

We believe that everyone must play their part in addressing climate change, however small, and are very grateful for the funding from the Woodsmith Foundation. The refit will also benefit residents of all ages, including toddlers and older people, as they will be much more comfortable attending events now.”

The successful organisations include:

Pannett Art Gallery

Danby Village Hall

Community First Yorkshire

Fylingdales Church of England Primary School

Hawsker Church of England Primary School

Festival of Thrift CIC

National Literacy Trust

The Cut Back CIC

Seamer Parish Council

Community Stepping Stones CIC

Anglo American pledged a four year £4m funding package to the Foundation when it acquired the Woodsmith Project in March 2020. Longer term, it will be funded by a percentage of mine revenue, which is expected to amount to several million pounds per year.  For more information on the Foundation, visit www.woodsmithfoundation.org.uk

More from Yorkshire Coast News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Follow Us

Get Our Apps

Our Apps are now available for iOS, Android and Smart Speakers.

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Just ask Amazon Alexa
  • Available on Roku

Today's Weather

  • Scarborough

    Medium-level cloud

    High: 7°C | Low: 4°C

  • Filey

    Light rain shower

    High: 8°C | Low: 4°C

  • Whitby

    Light rain shower

    High: 8°C | Low: 4°C

  • Bridlington

    Sunny intervals

    High: 8°C | Low: 3°C

  • Hornsea

    Medium-level cloud

    High: 8°C | Low: 3°C

  • Driffield

    Medium-level cloud

    High: 9°C | Low: 3°C

News