Lancaster University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of hope for local projects striving to make a meaningful impact. Established 11 years ago with the foundation of the University wind turbine, the fund supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability. Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations and has created numerous success stories across the area.

We’re showcasing some of the standout initiatives supported by the fund, and the Claver Hill project is a perfect example. Claver Hill is a six‑acre community growing space in Lancaster, used collectively for food production and nature-based projects. The site produces large volumes of fruit and vegetables, but in the past, much of this harvest risked going to waste when it couldn’t be used or distributed quickly enough. Support from the Community Benefit Fund has enabled the project to purchase and install a large storage container, ensuring that produce can be kept dry, safe, and usable for longer.

Michael Carr from Claver Hill, said, “We are delighted to have a secure, dry and rat free storage facility that will ensure produce maintains its quality before onward distribution. This makes the project more sustainable and with less waste, more environmentally friendly. A higher yield means more produce available for the community over a longer period.”

By supporting projects like those led by Claver Hill, the fund continues to invest in spaces that bring people together and strengthen our community. Each grant helps projects to be more sustainable and have a bigger impact on the community. We’re proud to champion local organisations that make a lasting difference, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this year’s improvements.

For more information and details on how to apply to the Community Benefit Fund, visit our webpage.