Tamar Valley Mining District with Tavistock Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape AONB
25 May 2022

Sustainable Development Fund open for Tamar Valley projects

The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team is pleased to confirm that this year’s Sustainable Development Fund is open once again for 2022. Applications are welcome for small grants to support grassroots projects that help to conserve, enhance or celebrate the Tamar Valley AONB. There is £5,000 in total available for grant requests of between £250-£1,000 for projects that will benefit the area.

The Fund continues to encourage individuals, community groups and businesses to work together to develop practical and sustainable solutions to enhance their activities across the AONB.

The range of projects previously supported in the Tamar Valley includes the enhancement of village halls, wildlife conservation projects, small-scale renewable energy schemes, water-based recreation, advice for rural businesses and a number of exciting education-based projects.

Dan Cooke, AONB Manager, says; “It’s great to be able to offer a little something for local communities in the Tamar Valley. Small things can make a big difference, and though modest in scale, the Sustainable Development Fund could help kick-start some project ideas and initiatives. If you’ve got a good idea, please contact us, or apply to fund it.”

Due to its recent success, Tamar Valley TLC will also offer a small community grants scheme alongside the Sustainable Development Fund, for community groups and individuals to access smaller sums of money to help their projects. Grants up to £250 are available to bid for.

Pat Gould, Trustee of Tamar Valley TLC says, ‘The Trustees are delighted to be able to offer these grants again. We know that the money can make the difference between projects happening or not. We are looking forward to receiving applications for a range of projects which will benefit a number of small organisations in the Tamar Valley.’

If you have an idea for a project, where up to £1,000 would help to conserve or enhance the area, or get people involved with the work of the Tamar Valley AONB, please get in touch.

  • Closing date for applications – 12 noon, Friday 1 July 2022.
  • Applicants to be notified w/c 18 July 2022.
  • Successful projects must be completed by 31 December 2022 (1 March 2023 for Tamar Valley TLC small community grant).

Please visit https://www.tamarvalley.org.uk/tvaonb-caring/ (and scroll down to Sustainable Development Fund) for guidance notes/application forms. Applicants are strongly advised to discuss project ideas with AONB staff before submitting a completed application to ensure eligibility. Please email enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk in the first instance.