ENVIRONMENTAL projects are invited to bid for a slice of funding worth £1.7m.

Dorset County Council has received the cash to protect the environment around Wytch Farm oilfield near Wareham as part of the planning agreement to extend its life for another 20 years.

Oil company Perenco UK has made the contribution to fund environmental improvements, as required by national planning policies.

The county council is setting up a grant fund for projects that will moderate the impacts of the oilfield on the local landscape, wildlife and rights of way.

Landowners, conservation and community groups will be invited to apply for funding starting in the New Year. Projects must meet at least one of the following criteria:

n Strengthen the character of the surrounding landscape by the creation, conservation, enhancement and management of heathland and acid grassland

n Enhance biodiversity by the conservation, enhancement and management of boundary features (such as hedgerows, veteran trees and earthbanks), woodlands (such as rhododendron control) and rural lanes.

n Improve rights of way and/or facilities to provide car-free access and conserve tranquillity.

The fund is targeted at the parts of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) closest to the oilfield – mainly between the shores of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck ridge to east of East Lulworth.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of experts including a representative from Perenco.

Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for natural built environment, said: “This is great news for the environment and the local community. They will be able to benefit from the continued existence of the oilfield through local enhancement projects.”