Huge Grant Give-Away for Local Groups
A local conservation body, the South Downs Society, today announced that they are making grants available to turn the most innovative and exciting ideas into reality. The total amount of money available is a whopping £25,000.
Projects to conserve the beauty of the South Downs and improve access are eligible, as are education and research projects. All the ideas must relate to the South Downs, which stretch from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex.
Brian Cheater, Vice Chairman of the South Downs Society, said: "The South Downs is one of the most beautiful and precious areas of countryside in England. But in recent decades, the wildlife of the Downs has declined. In many places, the number of birds and bugs has gone down, and we don’t see the profusion of spring flowers that was familiar to earlier generations. The fund set up by the South Downs Society exists to help local community organizations and academic institutions restore our beautiful places."
Jane Major, Marketing & Fundraising Officer for the Society, added: "Doctors say that a walk in the countryside is excellent for our physical and mental health. There’s nothing quite like a day spent close to nature for clearing the head and exercising the heart. The South Downs Society Fund wants to support community groups with practical projects that will improve access to the South Downs. Perhaps your group helps people with disabilities or disadvantaged children to expand their horizons. If so, we want to hear about your ideas."
The closing date for applications is 30 September, but groups should start planning their applications as soon as possible. Application forms and guidance notes are available on the South Downs Society’s website at www.southdownssociety.org.uk or by telephoning the Society on 01798 875073. A maximum of £5,000 is available for each project.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Jacquetta Fewster, tel 01798 875073 or 07801 233582.
Notes for Editors
The South Downs Society is a charity set up to conserve and enhance the beauty and amenities of the South Downs for the benefit of the public. It was established in 1923 and successfully defeated proposals for unsuitable coastal development overlooking the famous Seven Sisters area.
The South Downs stretch for 70 miles between Eastbourne in East Sussex and Winchester in Hampshire.
