Grants
There are two main grant schemes:
Sustainable Development Fund
The Sustainable Development Fund is a grant scheme created to support projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the AONB. It aims to develop and test new methods of achieving a more sustainable way of life in this area of great beauty and diversity. Funding is available for the 2008/09 financial year (1 April 2008 - 31 March 2009). The money for the fund comes from DEFRA via the Natural England.
The Fund can support projects such as practical work, feasibility studies or research projects, group or partnership development, awareness raising and training. Examples of possible fields of activity are renewable / green energy, sustainable transport, environmental building design, innovative products or initiatives, community youth schemes or conservation activities. Grants can be used to fund new projects, or add value from a sustainable development aspect to existing projects. Anyone (individual or group) is entitled to apply, provided that projects bring benefit to the wider environment and/or community.
For more information contact:
Kate Mustard
01905 766491
kmustard@worcestershire.gov.uk
Download SDF Leaflet
Download Project Ideas Form (WORD format, opens in a new window)
The following projects were undertaken last year:
Grant Recipient |
Key project outputs
|
Project outcomes
|
Youth Support Services |
- Development of skills and knowledge base amongst young people who want to work in rural industries
- Exploration of opportunities for young people to work in the rural/environmental economy
|
- More young people able to apply for rural employment
- More local businesses aware of potential for employing young people
|
The Cotswolds & Malverns Transport Partnership |
- A new guide promoting the AONB to users of the Oxford-Hereford rail line
|
- More visitors to the AONB arriving by sustainable transport
|
Colwall Parish Council |
- 13 members of local community trained in orchard survey techniques
- 41 local orchards surveyed for wildlife interest
- Community orchard identified
|
- Greater awareness of value of local orchards
- More community engagement in management of key AONB habitats
|
Worcestershire County Council |
- Stock-proof fencing installed at St Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve
|
- Sustainable management (through grazing) of local grassland
|
Worcestershire County Council |
- Widespread promotion of a community transport service (Sphere Taxis)
|
- Greater social mobility for young and old
- Fewer private cars on the road
|
Caves Folly Nurseries |
- Purchase of a tractor and wood processor
|
- Increase in sale of local logs as fuel to domestic and retail outlets
- Reduced carbon footprints
|
Malvern Hills Coppice Network |
- Purchase of coppicing equipment for use by volunteers
- Training and insurance for volunteers
- Production of promotional materials
|
- More people involved in AONB management
- Better management of local woodlands
|
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust |
- Stock fencing and gates installed at Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve
|
- Sustainable management (through grazing) of high value grasslands
|
England’s Past for Everyone (working with Forestry Commission, Herefordshire Council and Earth Heritage Trust) |
- Geological and archaeological survey of Frith Wood (near Ledbury)
- Production of a new trail guide
- Installation of 2 interpretation panels
|
- Greater use of Frith Wood as a recreational resource
- Greater understanding of the importance and past uses of Frith Wood
|
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group |
- Provision of conservation management advice to 12 land managers
- 450 ha of land entered into Entry Level Stewardship
|
- Improved stewardship of AONB land
|
Bulmer Foundation |
- Bursary support to enable x students to complete a Masters Level programme in Sustainable Development Advocacy
- Students working with businesses and organisations in the AONB to improve sustainability
|
- Improved sustainability in organisational practices
|
Malvern Hills Coppice Network |
- Establishment of a full time trainee coppice worker based in the Malvern Hills area
|
- Better management of local woodlands
- Increase in local skills and knowledge base
|
|
Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement Grants
The grant is aimed at supporting practical work and projects that help to enhance the landscape, biodiversity and countryside character of the AONB. A range of activities can be considered for grant aid including orchard planting/gapping-up, hedgerow management, woodland work, pond restoration, pollarding, coppicing and life-sustaining work to veteran trees. In certain circumstances applications for grant will not be considered, for example, if land is already under another funded management scheme.
This grant scheme is aimed at small landowners, Parish Councils, community groups and other individuals, provided the land on which the application falls is within the Malvern Hills AONB. Grants issued will not normally exceed £1,000 and the applicant will be expected to provide match-funding.
Work undertaken |
Total (2001 to 2008)
|
| Orchard Planting |
723 trees planted |
| Hedgelaying |
980 metres |
| Hedge planting |
1642 metres |
| Hedge trees |
431 trees planted |
| Parkland trees |
20 trees planted |
| Small wood |
700 trees planted |
| Coppicing |
500 metres square |
| Total grants claimed |
£22,170.63 |
| Total amount levered in from match funding and other sources |
£39,656.17 |
|
If you would like further information about this grant please contact the AONB Office:
James Bisset
Principal Countryside Officer
PO BOX 41
Leominster
HR6 0ZA
jbisset@herefordshire.gov.uk
