Communities in two of the country’s most significant and cherished designated landscapes are set to benefit thanks to funding opportunities now available.

The Coast & Heaths AONB stretches from Kessingland in north Suffolk to the Stour Estuary in north Essex, including much of Suffolk’s iconic coastline, whilst the Dedham Vale AONB covers rolling countryside in the Stour Valley made famous by artist John Constable. Both areas were designated as protected landscapes in 1970.

A combined amount of £16,000 is now available and theAONBs are seeking applications from projects that are innovative, socially inclusive, sustainable, that benefit the public and involve partnership working.

Grants provided by AONBs are easily accessible for a variety of projects to make a real difference in local communities across Suffolk and Essex. They are available to a variety of conservation organisations, local community groups or individuals that are undertaking projects that supports the conservation and enhancement of the areas.

In the Coast & Heaths AONB, the Community and Conservation Fund is accepting applications and in Dedham Vale, both the Sustainable Development Fund and Stour Valley Environment Fund are open.

Over the past 18 months, millions of people around the UK have discovered the benefits of nature and how important our surroundings are for our physical and mental health – highlighting the need to protect them for future generations.

Whether you have a project that works in heritage, media, conservation, learning, health, accessibility, and diversity, to give but a few examples, all applications are welcomed.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 28^th September 2021.

Find out more and apply:

• Sustainable Development Fund (Dedham Vale)
• Stour Valley Environment Fund (Dedham Vale)
• Community and Conservation Fund (Coast & Heaths)