A fund set up to benefit the community around Bristol Airport has donated nearly £500,000 to more than 130 local projects since it was established four years ago.
The Airport Environmental Improvement Fund was set up in 2012 as one of the airport’s commitments linked to the planning permission for its ambitious development over the next decade. 
Its purpose is to help mitigate the impact of the airport’s operations and to give something back to surrounding communities close to the site.
Each year the airport contributes a minimum of £100,000 to the fund, with the figure increasing in line with growth in passenger numbers. The total for the four years now stands at £497,246.
The fund’s management committee includes representatives from the airport and North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.
Last year 32 projects received contributions ranging from £500 to £11,000.
The fund supported 16 resident noise insulation grants, an improved pedestrian footpath in Wrington, an educational play scheme for Backwell, outdoor fitness equipment in Winford, solar panels for Cleeve and Felton village halls and a pedestrian crossing at Barrow Gurney.
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.
A recent beneficiary was the YMCA Somerset Coast, based at Barley Wood House, Wrington, with a grant to support the Forest School for local children.
Stephen Hooper, project development, YMCA Somerset Coast, said: “With the support from the fund, YMCA Somerset Coast has been able to equip the Forest School at Barley Wood House with the tools and equipment needed to launch the project.
“Since Easter, 136 local children have attended the school which runs during school holidays. It is proving to be very popular and young people are really enjoying the experience.”
