The North Wessex Downs AONB is distributing grants, usually in the order of £250 to £10,000, for sustainable development projects in the AONB.

You are invited to consider making a grant application. If you have access to a network of groups or individuals please circulate this widely to encourage them to apply.

The Sustainable Development Fund scheme provides grants for innovative, sustainable projects that involve local communities, and in particular young people. The North Wessex Downs has secured £100,000 from the Countryside Agency to be distributed to projects before 31 March 2006.

The scheme is open to voluntary and community groups, individuals, schools, businesses, local authorities and partnerships. These may be located within or outside the AONB. Grants can be used to add value to existing projects as well as pump-prime and match fund new projects.

Details of the criteria for the grants, guidelines for applicants, and the application form are all available on www.northwessexdowns.org.uk and follow the link from SDF grant in the navigation bar. People who do not have Internet access will be sent printed documents.

If you’re unsure where the North Wessex Downs AONB is located visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk , go to Introduction and then Map. The AONB covers most of west Berkshire, and parts of south Oxfordshire, east Wiltshire and north Hampshire.