Researchers will receive �46,313 for biodiversity plans

About �4m will be shared between 23 biodiversity and 36 educational projects nationwide.

Biodiversity conservation places an emphasis on threatened habitats and species.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust has received �46,949 to fund local biodiversity action plans.

Conservation Director Brian Eversham said: "So far, monitoring has generally been performed by ticking boxes on forms, but the organisations are now trying to get down on the ground to see how wildlife is benefiting from the work people are actually doing.

'Crucial' funding

"This funding from Defra is incredibly important.

"It is about the only award that funds core staff to do this less glamorous work."

The Essex Wildlife Trust, which serves several agencies and councils in the county, was given �28,712 to fund another staff member.

The trust's Claire Cadman said: "There is no doubt that the post of co-ordinator is crucial to getting biodiversity work done in Essex."

Among the other organisations to receive the grants are the Essex Invertebrate Conservation Trust, which is being awarded �46,313 and Coastnet in Colchester, which has been given �32,000.

The Peace Child Charitable Trust in Hertfordshire will receive �60,509 for its work supporting volunteers to teach about sustainable development.