Eden District Council has launched a new six-figure fund to support community-led sustainability projects in the area.

The COP26 Community Fund is now welcoming applications for funding from projects that tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions or that protect and enhance biodiversity.

READ MORE: Virginia Taylor launches Zero Carbon Strategy in Eden

Leader of Eden District Council, Cllr Virginia Taylor said: "At the local government conference last week, I saw research by Exeter University forecasting that summer rainfall in Cumbria will be halved by the time our children are grown up. This will change our wildlife, landscape, farming – everything. This fund will help communities do all they can to slow down these changes.

"Renewable energy projects, landscape and biodiversity projects, improving buildings and reducing waste – all help to reach the ambitious goal we set for Eden to be net-zero by 2030."

Councillor Mark Rudhall, Portfolio Holder for Green Growth at Eden District Council, added: "To celebrate and continue the momentum of the COP26 event in Glasgow, we have allocated £160k up until April 2023 to fund projects across Eden."

The COP26 community fund scheme aims to improve the natural environment in the Eden district, encourage sustainability and long-term actions, and promote community engagement and participation in environmental and sustainability projects.