Unit 1B, Keynor Farm
Sidlesham, PO20 7LL
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Wagner Renewables, a leading solar installation company based in Sussex, has once again demonstrated its commitment to community support. Through its annual eco-funding initiative, the company has provided grants to local organisations working on green or environmentally friendly projects.
Launched in 2022, Wagner Renewables’ eco-funding programme allocates a portion of the company’s profits to support local organisations. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader mission to foster sustainability, which also includes planting trees in The National Forest. To date, over 350 trees have been planted as part of this ongoing commitment.
Wagner Renewables, based in Sidlesham, has established itself as a trusted distributor of solar PV and renewable energy equipment. Six years ago, the company expanded to include solar installations, helping residents and businesses transition to green energy. Following a period of significant growth, the company seized the opportunity to give back to the community in meaningful ways.
This year, Wagner Renewables awarded a total of £1,200 in grants, distributing £300 each to four deserving local organisations:
Home-Start Chichester and District is a local charity that has supported over 2,000 families since 2008. The organisation addresses a wide range of challenges, including homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty, disability, and isolation.
With the eco-funding grant, Home-Start plans to provide families with energy-saving devices and guidance to help reduce energy consumption. Items such as radiator reflectors, LED lightbulbs, and cistern bags to reduce water usage will be distributed to families currently supported by the charity. For example, £7.51 can provide radiator reflectors for two families, while £16.00 supplies LED lightbulbs for five families.
By educating families about small but impactful changes, Home-Start is not only helping them save energy and water but also empowering them to adopt greener habits. The charity also plans to share its environmental efforts via social media, local press, and its website to encourage wider community involvement.
Sue from Home-Start Chichester & District receiving a check on behalf of the organisation.
“We are so grateful and pleased to receive Wagner’s Eco Fund grant.
Home-Start Chichester & District provides support for families who are struggling with family life for a variety of reasons. Many of the families we support struggle financially and this means it’s a challenge for them to heat their homes. With Wagner’s Eco Grant we are going to be able to provide radiator reflectors, LED lightbulbs and draft proofing to help our families to with their utility bills and improve heating in their home. We will be providing these in conjunction with our work with SGN to provide energy saving information meaning that our support for families in this area is meaningful, practical and effective.
Thank you to everyone at Wagner Renewables.”
Sidlesham Primary School, a small rural school in the village, will use its grant to support the development of its new Dolphins class. This class provides a tailored curriculum and additional adult support for vulnerable children who struggle in traditional classroom environments.
The grant has been used to create an inspiring outdoor learning area that includes items such as a tuff tray with a stand for hands-on exploration, a sensory wall to help children regulate their emotions, a large chalkboard for interactive learning, and storage buckets for outdoor equipment. By learning in this environment, children will not only gain a better understanding of the world around them but will also improve their mental health and well-being.
Through these improvements, the school aims to instill a love for nature and an appreciation for the environment among its most vulnerable students.
Sophia Koiston and Carolyn Brading accepting their cheque from Mark Osborne.
“We are incredibly grateful to Wagner Renewables for their generous £300 donation to Sidlesham Primary School. This contribution will directly support our enhanced provision for children with additional needs, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. It’s wonderful to see a local business investing in the future of our community, and we truly appreciate their commitment to making a difference in the lives of our pupils.”
The Friends of Chichester Harbour, is dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing the natural environment. Working along the stretch of the south coast that connects Hampshire and West Sussex. This charity works closely with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and other like-minded organisations to ensure the sustainability of this unique landscape.
The eco-funding grant will support the installation of a large bird box similar to one at Emsworth Marina. Designed to provide habitat for bats, House Martins, and Swifts each box costs £3,550. Future installations are planned for West Wittering and the Itchenor area, with the goal of increasing habitats for these species. The boxes can and can house approximately 104 House Martins and 72 Swifts!
Additionally, some boxes will be placed near educational centres, allowing children to observe wildlife during springtime. This educational aspect not only raises awareness but also encourages young people to engage with and protect their local environment.
Jim Lines and Nigel Seymour from Friends Of Chichester Harbour accepting their donation.
“The grant from Wagner Renewables means that our charity are able to provide support for all sorts of nature recovery projects including increased habitats for birds through the installation of large bird boxes, restoring oysters to marinas to help improve water quality and improving sea-grass habitats for fish and other marine life. In addition we support a number of projects that make the harbour more accessible to the public – such as improving cycle path provision in the Itchenor area. “
Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, a long-time partner of Wagner Renewables, was awarded a grant to support its hedgehog treatment and release programme. With hedgehog populations in decline and classified as vulnerable to extinction, Brent Lodge’s work is crucial to preserving this beloved species.
The funds will help the hospital care for over 200 hedgehogs during the autumn and winter months. Many of these hedgehogs will remain at the hospital until late spring to ensure they are healthy and ready for release. The final weeks of care involve thorough assessments by the animal care team, ample feeding to fatten them up, and microchipping to track their progress post-release.
Hedgehogs are released back into their original habitats whenever possible. Those that cannot be returned to their initial locations, the hospital carefully selects suitable release sites to ensure their ongoing welfare. The microchip data collected contributes to national conservation efforts and helps raise awareness about the challenges facing hedgehogs today.
By supporting this programme, Wagner Renewables is helping to safeguard one of the UK’s most iconic species and contributing to the wider conservation movement.
Asha and Alex from Brent Lodge accepting the cheque for Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital.
“The generous funding we have received will help Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital provide vital care for sick or injured hedgehogs, along with other wildlife casualties, giving many the chance to recover and return to their natural habitats. The conservation status of UK wildlife is in alarming decline, with hedgehogs now classified as Near Threatened on the latest IUCN Red List—placing them, and many other species, at serious risk of extinction. Now more than ever, we are committed to helping wildlife thrive and supporting the UK’s efforts to restore populations. Thanks to the generous contribution from the Wagner Renewables Eco Grant, we can continue our mission to help wildlife in need as well as educate the wider public about protecting local habitats.”
Mark Osborne, Managing Director of Wagner Renewables, shared his thoughts on the initiative:
“This project is all about giving back to the local community. So far, we have been able to donate over £10,500 between local charities and tree planting in The National Forest. This is a scheme we hope to continue and expand as we grow.”
Wagner Renewables’ eco-funding programme is set to continue, with more grants available in late 2025. Local organisations working on green or eco-friendly projects are encouraged to apply when applications reopen. Stay updated by following Wagner Renewables on social media:
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