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| The rugged beauty of the Chase |
Chase grants to enhance nature haven
People who want to protect and improve the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can now tap into a brand new £40,000 fund.
The cash is available for individuals, community groups or businesses with projects to look after and enhance the Chase, which is a nationally recognised wildlife haven.
The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has been supplied by the Government and is administered by the Shugborough-based Cannock Chase AONB Unit.
AONB Officer, Ruth Hytch, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to generate a range of activities that positively impact upon the AONB.
"The grant scheme is designed to be as flexible as possible to encourage innovation. Anyone with potential project ideas should contact the AONB Unit to discuss their thoughts further before making an application. We hope to hear from you soon."
Applicants for grants will normally be expected to provide up to 50 per cent of the "cost" of their project, although not all of this need necessarily be monetary - time donated by volunteers or the loan of premises are among costs that can be taken into account.
Eligible applications will be considered by a panel of local advisors on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information go to www.cannockchaseaonb.org.uk or call the AONB Unit on 01889 882613 for a leaflet.
Projects that are successful in applying for grants must be completed by March 2007.
Background notes:
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
In England and Wales, those landscapes considered most valuable are protected as National Parks or AONBs. Cannock Chase AONB was designated in 1958 because of its beautiful landscape, its history and its wildlife. Important both locally and nationally, the Chase depends upon sensitive use and management to help conserve and enhance its special qualities, such as its peaceful and wilderness feel, its variety of habitats and its unusual plant and animal species.
Cannock Chase is one of 36 AONBs in England. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty extend over more than 15% of England's land area and represent some of our finest landscapes. They are statutory designations, set up with the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area they cover. The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) seeks to foster projects which are the best of their kind in these outstanding and vulnerable areas. SDF is delivered locally by Cannock Chase AONB Unit and co-ordinated by the Countryside Agency on behalf of Defra.
Projects must:
- Help to conserve or enhance the AONB (eg local characteristics of landscape, wildlife, culture and community).
- Encourage sustainable development (enhancing and promoting the environmental, economic and/or community well-being to ensure a better quality of life for now and for the future).
- Have the demonstrable support or involvement of local communities.
- Help deliver the AONB Management Plan.
For further details please contact Cannock Chase AONB Unit on 01889 882613 or at www.cannockchaseaonb.org.uk
Cannock Chase AONB Partnership is supported by: The Countryside Agency, Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Stafford Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council, AONB Parish and Town Councils, British Horse Society, Cemex Operations UK Ltd, Country Land and Business Association, Department of Food and Rural Affairs, English Nature, Forestry Commission, Friends of Cannock Chase, Hanson Aggregates, National Farmers Union, Ramblers Association, Staffordshire Parish Councils Association, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Trail Cyclists Association, Walton Chasers, West Midland Bird Club
Page Last Modified:
30/01/2007 16:03:27
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