Mendip Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) 2009/10
Funding is available to support projects that bring environmental, social, economic or community benefits to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Last year, the SDF awarded over £60,000 to 16 projects including the Hawk and Owl Trust Long-eared Owl Schools initiative, the East Harptree Village Shop and a nature trail at Barton Camp. Grants ranged in size from £300 - £12,000. This year, the fund provided by Natural England is £65,000.
The Mendip Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund Panel meets several times during the year to consider applications. Minutes of the most recent meeting of the Panel are here and archived minutes can be found HERE
‘We encourage applications from all sectors of the community including business, local groups, individuals and national organisations. Projects must link with the aims of the new AONB Management Plan 2009-2014'
The Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan 2009 – 2014 is available on the Partnership page of this web site.
The Sustainable Development Fund supports projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It aims to develop and test new methods of achieving a more sustainable way of life in this area of beauty and diversity.
The SDF provides grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that conserve and develop the environment, economy and way of life.
"Sustainable development will promote and enhance the environmental, economic and community well-being of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come."
Achieving sustainable development requires working towards four goals at the same time:
Social progress which meets the needs of everyone
Effective protection of the environment
Ensuring a diverse and prosperous rural economy
Careful use of natural resources
Individual projects can place particular emphasis on any one of the four goals. Ideally, they should seek to make progress on all of them, but demonstrate no negative impact on any.
Dates for SDF application deadlines and panel meetings are listed below, together with application forms and guidance information. If you would like to discuss a project with a view to obtaining a SDF grant, please contact the Mendip Hills AONB Unit on 01761 462338.
Completed Application Forms must be emailed to us. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
