Zero Carbon Llanidloes in Wales has been awarded £21,804 by The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) through a “Supporting Rural Communities” grant programme. The UK-wide charity, which works to create a real future for rural Britain, supports projects that make a difference in rural communities across the UK, providing grants of up to £25,000 over two years.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said:

“Our grants help bring ideas and projects to fruition which are developed by those who live and work in rural communities and that really matter to them. The PCF’s funding supports amazing people who drive change and make the most of opportunities to improve rural life by creating stronger, more connected and sustainable places.”

Zero Carbon Llanidloes have been awarded funding for their Llanidloes Library of Things – a project which will create a community resource by providing a store of useful tools and equipment to borrow – like a carpet cleaner or stairgate. This will save local residents from having stuff that is rarely used cluttering up their homes, and means those who cannot afford to buy can still access the things they need.

Maya Binson, Secretary of Zero Carbon Llanidloes said:

“The funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund will make a huge difference to Llanidloes Library of Things and to the people of Llanidloes. It will help change the way all of us view the things we have and the things we need.  We all have cupboards and garages full of stuff we only use rarely – pressure washers, camping gear, kitchen equipment.

“If we shared those things, those who cannot afford to buy them would be able to access them and all of us would need to buy less.  We will encourage people “to borrow not buy” and we will give new life to old things. This funding will help us work with local schools helping young people see the value in mending and re-using and giving them invaluable life skills at the same time.  And all of this will reduce our carbon footprint while building a stronger, friendlier community.”

The PCF would like to thank the funders of their grants programme, Waitrose, and their wider network of supporters who make all their work possible. You can find out more about our grants, and how to apply for our next round, on our website. If you’d like to help create a real future for rural Britain, you can become a friend from as little as £3 a month.