A grant pot of £25,000 is now officially open for applications that will benefit the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that run along the coast of North Devon and Torridge. The North Devon Coast National Landscape small grants scheme, also known as the Sustainable Development Fund, is open to community groups, schools, parishes, landowners and businesses who are planning a project in 2024. Over the last five years the fund has supported 48 projects including purchasing a community ride on lawn mower, bat tagging, footpath improvements, outdoor learning activities and even a prototype hoover to help remove plastic from our beaches. From nest boxes and bike racks to art performances and community training the scheme has supported a wide range of projects across North Devon and Torridge that have benefited the area either environmentally or socially by connecting people with the landscape, heritage and nature of the National Landscape. 

The fund is supported by Defra and grants of up to £4,000 are available within the coastal parishes of the National Landscape which include: Abbotsham, Alwington, Berrynarbor, Braunton, Clovelly, Combe Martin, Georgeham (& Croyde), Hartland, Ilfracombe, Mortehoe (& Woolacombe), Northam (& Westward Ho!), Welcombe, West Down and Woolsery. 

Jenny Carey-Wood, National Landscape Manager said, “We are always excited to see the creativity of local groups doing projects to benefit our wildlife, landscape, special qualities, visitors and local people. We can fund equipment and practical work, as well as artistic and people focussed projects. See our website for previous project examples, with lots of advice from the team on how to apply.” 

Visit the National Landscape website for more information: www.northdevoncoast-nl.org.uk/our-work/grants or contact Laura Carolan for an informal chat on 01392 388628 or aonb@devon.gov.uk.