SDF funding is aimed supporting a range of projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the North Wessex Downs AONB. Detailed criteria and information on how to add value to your project can be found in the Guidelines. You may also wish to look at examples of projects previously supported through the SDF, found to the left of this page.
Who can apply?
- Community and voluntary groups and groups working in partnership
- The private sector
- Local Authorities and public bodies
- Charities
- Businesses.
How to apply
First read the guidelines to help you decide if your project is suitable:
Then if your idea fits with the guidelines, fill out the Expression of Interest form detailing your proposal.
Include as much information as you have at this time. Our SDF Co-ordinator will assess your proposal against our criteria and contact you with any advice, before inviting you to proceed with your full application.
Please read the Guidelines above and if you require any further information, contact the North Wessex Downs office on 01488 685440 or email info@northwessexdowns.org.uk to discuss your project.
Please note that our procurement guidelines require that you supply a minimum of one quote for items under £500 and two quotes for items above this amount.
Deadlines for assessment and delivery
Applications are considered by the Sustainable Development Fund Grant Panel, appointed by the North Wessex Downs AONB, throughout the year. There is a streamlined assessment process for grants below £1,000, while the average grant awarded is currently between £1,000 and £3,000. In the case of exceptional projects, larger grants may be considered at the discretion of the Panel.
Applicants have 12 months from the date of approval to complete their project and provide relevant monitoring information.
The North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust
In July 2017 the North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust (“NWDLT”) accepted the stewardship of the management of the Sustainable Development Fund, previously managed by the AONB.
Grants have been made recently to the following:
- Great Bedwyn Phone Box. The project is to refurbish the Great Bedwyn Phone Box and to install fittings to make it a Visitor Information Kiosk. Great Bedwyn Parish Council is working with the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership. Last year in collaboration with Pewsey Parish Council they implemented a Tourist Information Kiosk at Swan Corner to provide information to visitors to the area. We are now looking to do the same thing in Great Bedwyn.
- Shalbourne Village Hall. The stone built, listed, hall was constructed as a bible school in 1843, since when it has gradually evolved into a facility which occupies a special place in the heart of the community and the heritage of the area. It hosts events to which many visitors are attracted. Facilities improved, including updated accessible toilets, a modernised kitchen, together with conservation of the building’s fabric. In addition to the improvements already noted, by removal of a modern suspended ceiling, the hall’s 1843 interior will be reinstated.
- Friends of The Railway Path Interpretation Boards. Boards envisaged at 3 locations: South of Chiseldon, cutting near Whitefield Farm and Ogbourne St George Station. Boards will include facts about the site, the AONB logo, a representation of the AONB boundary and a brief indication of its objectives.
- Hungerford Allotment Holders Association. The project is for water provision improvement , both rainwater harvesting and borehole pumping, at two allotment sites (Fairfields and Marsh Lane) managed by HAHA on behalf of Hungerford Town Council. Neither site has mains water or electricity.
- The Barn Owl Group. The grant was requested to purchase materials to make more nest boxes and to install them on suitable sites. During 2017 the Group have monitored about 190 boxes and recorded 117 barn owl chicks which have survived to fledging.
If you would like to apply for a grant for your project please contact Donald Sherlock at info@nwd-landscapetrust.org.uk.