Alternative Funding Sources

Core Funding

The Staff Unit receives 'core' funding each year from Natural England and from constituent local authorities in the area. Primarily, this funding is used to cover staff and accommodation costs. However, the funding also supports a small partnership budget through which the Unit can help to support work related to research, survey and awareness raising (for example, publications and promotion).

Project Funding

Once every year the Staff Unit has the ability to 'bid' to Natural England to part-fund small to medium sized projects, which help to conserve and enhance the AONB. Projects can relate to any aspect of the AONB and its special qualities, but on-going projects, or work which others have a statutory duty to deliver, would not normally be funded.

Projects recently supported include practical conservation work on nature reserves, a condition survey of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a parish-based disability access audit and the provision of conservation advice to farmers and landowners within the AONB. The funding is for a maximum of 50% of total project costs and Natural England has the final say on which projects are supported.