Social & Community Capital (S&CC), an independent charity launched by NatWest in 1999 to support social enterprises and community businesses, has today announced Wild Elements as one of the 7 winners of its 20th Anniversary grants.

The grants, worth £20,000 each, have been awarded to social enterprises across seven regions in the UK to develop projects that create a direct social impact, with projects pivoting their activities or adapting the way they work in light of Covid-19.

Social & Community Capital received almost 300 applications as part of the process. With the assistance of based at Bangor University's Treborth Botanic Garden, was chosen as one of the winners.

Wild Elements connects communities in deprived areas and marginalised groups in North Wales to nature through hands-on activities, training, work placements and volunteering opportunities. The S&CC grant funding will allow them to develop their Elements Programme, enabling them to buy raw materials, equipment and staff costs for its joinery club, which will make products for their Wild Elements shop (including the online shop), café and hotel; increasing the sustainability of the business in the long-term.

Megan Peat, CEO of Social & Community Capital, said:

“The quality of the applications to our anniversary grants programme was amazing; there were so many projects that we could have supported. With help and assistance from our volunteers, Wild Elements was chosen as one of the worthy winners. I look forward to working them to support their project over the next 18 months.”

Director and Founder of Wild Elements, Tom Cockbill, said:

“This is a great opportunity, this will allow the Wild Elements, to develop a new way of engaging with the local community to build confidence and develop job-related skills, whilst connecting to the natural world.”