Bristol Airport's Community Fund grants over £1.2 million to local projects

A fund set up to support local community projects around Bristol Airport has made grants totalling more than £1.2 million since it started in 2012.  

So far in 2021 the management committee which oversees the Airport Environmental Improvement Fund (known at the Local Community Fund) granted over £145,000 to support 52 local community projects.  

Each year Bristol Airport contributes a minimum of £100,000 to the Local Community Fund.   The Fund’s Management Committee includes representatives from both the Airport and North Somerset Council and is independently chaired. 

Last year a total of 22 projects were supported with contributions ranging from £300 to £10,000.  This included noise insulation grants for local residents; outdoor play area for West Leigh Infants School; electric adaptive bikes for Strawberry Line Café; Cleeve village hall facilities; and various road safety and traffic calming improvement schemes; support for Winford Community Shop and environmental and learning projects for local schools. 

The Fund’s purpose is to help mitigate the impact of the Airport’s operations and to give something back to surrounding communities who are situated in close proximity to the Airport.  Projects which could be eligible for support include initiatives to mitigate the impact of aircraft and ground noise, improvements to transport infrastructure, measures to reduce community severance, nature conservation, educational projects and local sustainability initiatives.  The Fund’s area of benefit includes the parishes of Winford, Wrington, Backwell, Brockley, Cleeve and Barrow Gurney. 

Mike Clements, Chairman, Wrington Cricket Club said: “I would like to thank the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund for their tremendous support which has allowed the club to purchase a set of covers for the first time in its history. In a difficult time for local sports clubs, it has allowed us to provide cricket for 5 junior sides from beginners to Under 15s for both boys and girls as well as a senior side. With the vagaries of the weather, covers are now a necessity for any cricket club and have already proved themselves by saving several matches and generally keeping the wickets safe for everyone to play on. Without Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund this would not have happened. The process was simple, easy and tailored to the local need. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It has given the club a real boost.”

Barry Hamblin, Chair, Bristol Airport Local Community Fund said: “To grant over £1.2m to local community projects in close proximity to the Airport is an incredible achievement. With the impacts of Covid still challenging local community groups and organisations it is great to be able to support these worthwhile and important community initiatives. 

“We are proud of the role we play in our neighbouring communities and are committed to continuing supporting local projects through the Local Community Fund, despite the challenges and difficulties of Covid.

“We know a grant from the Fund makes a huge difference to those applying, so would encourage local groups looking for funding to contact us.”

For further information please contact the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund Administrator on 01275 473615 or email communityfund@bristolairport.com.