Grants on offer for High Weald conservation projects

The money - being distributed by the Sussex Lund grants programme - could be used for anything from creating new community wildflower meadows to replanting hedges or trees to create wildlife habitats.

Applications are now being invited from community groups, trusts, charities, town and parish councils, schools and individuals who own or manage land in the High Weald which covers parts of four counties – East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Sussex Lund is a collaboration between the High Weald AONB Partnership and Lund Trust, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.

Since it was launched in 2016, the annual scheme has awarded more than £750,000 to over 160 projects, including restoring hazel coppice for dormice and creating glades and rides in woodland; replacing and installing new barn owl nesting boxes across a 10km stretch of farmland; planting fruit trees and managing orchards in a nature-friendly way; creating wildflower-rich grassland to boost the number and diversity of pollinators; restoring and creating ponds and other wetland habitats and creating new woodland to provide habitat for a farm’s breeding nightingale population.

High Weald AONB co-director Jason Lavender said: “We’re seeing more and more people keen to manage land within the High Weald for nature and scenic beauty, which is fantastic.

“However, the funding needed for some projects means they can be out of reach, particularly after a tough year. We are delighted to be launching Sussex Lund in 2021 as a wonderful way of helping community groups, land managers and others across the area to recover nature.”

Those thinking of applying to Sussex Lund must first discuss their project idea with the High Weald AONB team to ensure it meets all the application criteria.

Applicants can call Christine Meadows on 01424 723009 for an informal chat or email [email protected] with information about the proposed project.

The deadline for applications is March 8.

Visit www.highweald.org/sussexlund for more information about Sussex Lund including application forms, guidance on how to apply and inspiration from previous projects.