Sustainable Development Fund - Now Open

Back by popular demand, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team is pleased to announce that the Sustainable Development Fund is open once again for small grants to support projects that help to conserve and enhance the AONB. This year there is £5,000 in total available for grant requests for projects between £250-£1,000.

The Fund was first created for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 2005 to encourage individuals, community groups and businesses to work together to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the management of their activities.

The range of projects previously supported in the Tamar Valley include the enhancement of village halls, wildlife conservation projects, small scale renewable energy schemes, water-based recreation, advice for rural businesses and a number of exciting education-based projects.

Corinna Woodall, Tamar Valley AONB Manager, says; “In these uncertain times, we felt that we want to be able to continue to support our valued Valley communities and heritage, and are pleased that we can offer the grant again this year.”

If you have an idea for a project, where £250-£1,000 would help to conserve enhance or engage people with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, please get in touch.

· Closing date for applications – 30 June 2017.

· Applicants to be notified in August.

· Successful projects must be completed by 31 December 2017

Please see www.tamarvalley.org.uk for guidance notes/application forms. Applicants are strongly advised to discuss project ideas with AONB staff before submitting a completed application to ensure eligibility.

We will be holding a free Workshop for anyone interested in applying to the fund on Monday 5th June starting at 6pm prompt (please arrive for this time, it is not an ongoing drop-in session) at the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls. We will be discussing the Tamar Valley AONB priorities as well as offering assistance in completing the application form.