TEACHERS can set up environmental projects using grants being handed out by Earthwatch.

Community awards give school teachers the chance to work with scientists during school holidays and then apply skills learned to community projects helped along by cash grants.

Julian Laird, Earthwatch chief executive, said: "We hope the teachers will be able to take their experiences back to their schools and inspire their pupils to get involved in conservation initiatives."

Land regeneration in mining areas and conservation projects are among projects funded by grants.