Community Projects in Hampshire and Sussex Receive Financial Boost from Sustainable Communities Fund

Strategic Insights -

Several community projects across Hampshire and Sussex have benefited from the Sustainable Communities Fund, a partnership between the South Downs National Park Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority. The fund has awarded grants to support projects such as the Hampshire Magnificent Meadows Project, the citizen science project to monitor river pollution, and a programme of engagement to protect the rare chalk grassland of the South Downs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hampshire Magnificent Meadows Project, run by CPRE Hampshire, was awarded £10,000 to deliver a programme of engagement aimed at protecting the rare chalk grassland of the South Downs.
  • Eco Rother Action received more than £3,000 to monitor sewage spills on the River Rother between Midhurst and Petersfield, supporting the work of other agencies to protect and maintain the river.
  • Chichester Forest School, a community interest company, was awarded just over £4,600 to run a series of training days at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve to train local teachers and upskill existing outdoor leaders to deliver nature-based sessions.
  • The training days will focus on nature connection in woodlands and enhance wellbeing and mental health in children.
  • The Sustainable Communities Fund panel agreed that the initiatives supported by the fund will make a huge difference to community-led projects that often struggle for funding.
  • Laura Sercombe, director of landscape and strategy at the National Park Authority, praised the community-led projects for providing a 'natural health service' to people, climate action, and creating recreational opportunities.

Statistics:

  • £10,000 awarded to Hampshire Magnificent Meadows Project
  • £3,000 awarded to Eco Rother Action for river pollution monitoring project
  • £4,600 awarded to Chichester Forest School for training days at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
  • The grant money will be used to support 4 community-led projects across Sussex and Hampshire
  • 2 of the projects received funding to support environment conservation and climate action
  • 2 of the projects received funding to support community engagement and recreation activities

Sources:

  • South Downs National Park Trust
  • South Downs National Park Authority
  • CPRE Hampshire
  • Eco Rother Action
  • Chichester Forest School
  • National Park Authority