It’s been a record year for Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund and the new Diamond Fund with 61 individual local projects benefiting from both funds.
In total, £118,000 was granted to support local community projects, with grants ranging from £400 to £8,000 in 2024. This includes grants for a noise insulation project for Groundwork South – Goblin Combe Lodge in Cleeve, solar panels for Felton Village Hall, a biodiversity scheme for Alive Activities in Bristol and improvements to Backwell Playing Fields Charity. In total, £1.7 million has been granted to projects in the surrounding community of Bristol Airport since the fund was set up in 2012.
The Airport Environmental and Amenity Improvement Fund (known as the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund) was set up as one of the commitments the airport agreed to provide in connection with the planning permission for development.
Each year, Bristol Airport will contribute £100,000 to the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund. The fund’s management committee meets on a quarterly basis and includes representatives from both the airport, North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.
Meanwhile, the Diamond Fund supports projects in the local area which do not meet the criteria for the Local Community Fund.
Cllr Paul Hatherell, Chair of Winford Parish Council, explained how the funding would be used: “Felton Village Hall says a very big thankyou to Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund for its support in our mutual aims to reduce the local environmental impact, with its significant grant to the village hall for the installation of additional solar panels and battery storage.
“By also saving us money on the cost of energy, we will be able to support more community activities with reductions in hire charges, and incentives to create local interest groups. It will also help in securing the longevity of an important amenity in the local area.”
Bristol Airport is keen for as many community projects as possible to take advantage of the scheme in 2025. Any community ventures that fit the criteria are encouraged to apply for the next wave of grants. The type of projects that would benefit include:
The Bristol Airport Local Community Fund has been established to invest in a range of local projects which benefit the local community and the environment.
Its main purpose is to mitigate the environmental impacts of the airport’s operations and give something back to the surrounding communities who are affected by being situated in close proximity to an airport.
It reflects the company’s aim to develop the airport in a sustainable way, respectful of the local community and the environment. The Local Community Fund has set criteria relating to noise mitigation, transport improvements and biodiversity.
Additionally, Bristol Airport pledged £200,000 to support 39 individual residents in the local area, through its Noise Mitigation Grants. These grants provide funding for noise mitigation, including new windows or acoustic loft insulation for people to mitigate the impact of aircraft.
To find out more information on the Local Community Fund or Diamond Fund, please visit the airport’s website.
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