Veolia, the council’s environmental services partner, supported six projects in Watford with £3,000 in 2025 to improve social wellbeing and biodiversity in local communities and environments...
Since its launch in Watford in 2021, Veolia’s Sustainability Fund has successfully supported 15 projects with £8,871 in funding. In 2025, the Sustainability Fund expanded to support projects that made an impact on social wellbeing as well as the environment. Six community initiatives received funding and are already making a big difference in Watford.
Not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and individuals were invited to apply to the Sustainability Fund for a chance to receive up to £1,000 in funding for projects that enhance biodiversity, promote sustainable waste behaviours, protect or preserve resources, or use recycled, reused, or reclaimed materials.
Six projects were funded and are making a significant impact in Watford, including:
● Watford Repair Cafe, which holds fixing sessions for electrical items on the second Saturday of every month at St Mary’s Church
● South West Herts Great Big Green Week, which will bring together local groups and organisations to put on sustainability-themed events and activities across Watford between 6–13 June 2026
● Watford Workshop, which has been supporting the disabled community of Watford to gain independent living and working skills for over 60 years.
Jess Griffin, Watford Repair Cafe, said: “We're thrilled that Veolia is helping to fund the setting up of the Watford Repair Cafe, providing a free to access community repair café, run by and for all Watford residents, to bring broken or damaged items for repair therefore helping to extend their lifespan, save money and share skills, and benefit the community and the planet.”
Darren Harding, Regional Manager, Veolia, said: “Since the launch of the Sustainability Fund, we have supported incredible projects across Watford in partnership with Watford Borough Council where we deliver essential recycling and waste collection, street cleansing and parks and open space maintenance services.
“In 2025, we opened the Fund to projects looking to improve social wellbeing in their local communities which allowed us to support a broader range of initiatives than ever before.
“We look forward to announcing the next round of funding very soon, and hope to continue to empower communities to deliver ecological transformation through their inspiring and creative ideas.”
Applications will open again in Spring 2026.
