It's a method used to great effect by a Norfolk eco-campaigner challenging road schemes in court - and now Norfolk County Council has decided to give crowdfunding a go for its own green projects.

Former city and county councillor Dr Andrew Boswell raised tens of thousands pounds by crowdfunding donations to challenge the legality of A47 dualling schemes.

Dr Andrew Boswell used crowdfunding to challenge Norfolk A47 schemesDr Andrew Boswell used crowdfunding to challenge Norfolk A47 schemes (Image: Dan Grimmer)

His fight, which road chiefs said had delayed dualling schemes and added millions to the cost, failed. 

But Norfolk County Council itself is now collaborating with Crowdfunder to boost grassroots and community groups working on environmental schemes. 

Projects which meet specific criteria will be able to seek community donations to reach their budget, and become eligible for 50pc funding up to a maximum of £10,000.

The initiative was launched at County Hall's Norfolk Market Towns conference, which explored ways in which footfall can be increased across the county's 22 market towns.

Schemes could include creating wildlife habitats, coastal and marine projects, installing solar panels on buildings and cutting carbon emissions.

County councillor Fabian EagleCounty councillor Fabian Eagle (Image: Supplied by Swaffham Town Council)

Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth, said: "This new and innovative funding platform will get funding to projects that are truly backed by the residents."

More details at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/crowdfund-norfolk