We're inviting local organisations and individuals to apply for funding for small-scale, practical projects that improve the landscape of the High Weald. The Sussex Lund programme has re-opened for grant applications of between £500 and £10,000.
Since it was launched in 2016, Sussex Lund has awarded over £700,000 to more than 140 projects in and around the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Among those supported are charities, community groups, town and parish councils, schools, churches, non-profit organisations and landowners.
The grants programme, created by High Weald residents Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin, is administered by the High Weald AONB Partnership in collaboration with Lund Trust. Jason Lavender, co-Director of the High Weald AONB Partnership, said:
“We encourage anyone with an idea that will benefit the High Weald’s beautiful landscape and wildlife to come and chat with us about applying to Sussex Lund. It’s fantastic that we have this funding – it provides a rare opportunity to turn good ideas into practical work on the ground and support people looking after the High Weald.”
Sussex Lund will consider supporting projects in and around the High Weald (covering parts of Sussex, Kent and Surrey) that improve habitats and wildlife, scenic beauty, or access to the countryside. Projects supported this year include:
• Restoring hazel coppice for dormice and creating wet woodland habitat.
• Planting fruit trees and managing orchards in a traditional, nature-friendly way.
• Creating wildflower-rich grassland.
• Restoring and creating ponds.
• Installing and restoring access paths to protect habitats from visitor damage.
• Supporting volunteer groups managing woods, heaths and meadow habitats.
In 2018, a Sussex Lund grant helped the Species Recovery Trust to manage habitat for a nationally rare and threatened plant, the Heath Lobelia (pictured left, courtesy of Ralph Hobbs), only known in five other places in the UK outside the High Weald.
Volunteers and contractors cleared overgrown bramble and invasive scrub (pictured above, courtesy of Ralph Hobbs). The project was successful, and the number of Heath Lobelia plants has significantly increased in East Sussex.
The deadline for applications for this round of grant funding is Monday 2 March 2020.
Potential applicants must first discuss their project idea with the High Weald team. Anyone thinking of applying can come and have a chat with the High Weald AONB team at one of our afternoon drop-in advisory sessions, from 2 to 6pm on:
- Wednesday 13 November at the AONB Partnership offices, Flimwell
- Wednesday 15 January at the Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross
To book a slot, call Sam on 01424 723011 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More information
- For details of how to apply and project inspiration, visit: www.highweald.org/sussexlund
- See our latest Sussex Lund newsletter to read the stories of recently-funded projects.
