Christmas has come early for Herefordshire’s community organisations, including the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, after being awarded almost £200,000 in National Lottery funding for the quarter.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, and the Wildlife Trust will use its £10,000 grant to bring people together in Ross-on-Wye to improve public footpaths, green spaces and wildlife in the local area. Various events and activities will be organised, resulting in a Hedgehog Festival in September next year. This will involve schools teaching children about local wildlife and how to survey natural spaces. ‘Community Nature Days’ will also be held with toddler groups in care homes, bringing different generations together to create a wildflower garden and learn about nature.

In total, ten community projects are celebrating in Herefordshire - ranging from gardening sessions to village hall improvements.

Upper Sapey Village Hall is one of the organisations involved – it will be receiving £10,000, which will be used to replace the roof and windows at the village hall. Many activities are held at the venue including birthday parties, concerts, wedding receptions and bible meetings. These improvements will ensure the space can continue to be used by local people and community groups.

Almost £10,000 will be used by Herefordshire Growing Point, based in Hereford, to provide gardening sessions for a range of people such as those with dementia or Autism or people who are disabled or elderly, as well as children with special needs. This will bring people together to take part in therapeutic activities which improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “All over the country, National Lottery money is being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive. They know and understand the needs of their area better than anyone else and are best-placed to develop projects to tackle them.”

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.