Sussex Lund, the grant programme of High Weald residents Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin, has opened for applications. Sussex Lund supports small-scale, practical projects that improve the landscape of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Since it launched in 2016, Sussex Lund has awarded £540,000 to 100 projects.
The High Weald AONB Partnership administers the fund in collaboration with Lund Trust and invites charities, community groups, town and parish councils, schools, churches, farmers and landowners to apply for grants of between £500 and £10,000.
Jason Lavender, co-Director of the High Weald AONB Partnership, said: “In 2019 we’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of the legislation that led to the creation of protected landscapes – our much loved National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s fantastic that we have Sussex Lund funding to help people enhance our cherished landscape.”
“This year more than ever, we want to encourage people with practical projects that will benefit the High Weald´s wildlife and scenic beauty to apply to Sussex Lund.”
Sussex Lund will consider supporting any project that makes tangible improvements to the High Weald’s landscape. For example projects that:
• improve its habitats and wildlife
• improve its scenic beauty
• improve access.
Successful projects in 2018 included:
• Creating a pond and dipping platform in a new pocket park.
• Planting hazel trees to increase dormouse habitat.
• Hedge-laying to improve wildlife-rich historic boundaries.
• Supporting volunteer groups to manage community woodlands and create wildlife-rich amenity grassland.
• Removing non-native trees to create more natural, scenic environments.
Last year Sussex Lund funded a project to remove invasive species (laurel and rhododendron) from ancient woodland at Coneyburrow Wood, Sherwood Lake, Tunbridge Wells. Nick Robinson, who oversaw the project, said: “The application process was very straightforward and advice on our application from staff at the AONB office was very helpful. We would like to say a huge thank you to Sussex Lund for their support, and the improvements to wildlife habitat they have made possible"
The deadline for applications is Monday 8 April 2019.
More information
Potential applicants must discuss their proposal with the High Weald team on 01424 723014 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The scheme criteria and an application form can be found at www.highweald.org/look-after/sussex-lund