Grants and Funding
The Dedham Vale National Landscape and Stour Valley Project has two grant funding schemes, the Stour Valley Environment Fund and the Sustainable Development Fund.
Both these funds aim to benefit the local environment specifically of the National Landscape and Stour Valley. Please use the links below to find out more about how you can help support conservation, or apply for funding.
For more information about the various grants that are open and available, and the criteria and funding guidelines, please contact Oka Last, National Landscape Grants Officer, on 01394 445225 or [email protected].
Each year the Dedham Vale National Landscape receives core funding from Defra, and we ring fence some of the money for a grant fund called the Sustainable Development Fund. It supports projects which will enhance and/or benefit the National Landscape.
Closing date: 3rd February 2026
Geographic area: The entire Dedham Vale National Landscape only (see Google Maps green shaded area). Please check that your project benefits the fund area. If your project does not benefit the fund area it will not be eligible to receive a grant. If you need an alternative map format please contact us above.
Project delivery time-frame: April 2026 - 10th March 2027
Amount you may apply for per application: no limit but as a guideline you may wish to consider applying for in the region of/up to £6,000
Stour Valley Environment Fund - Apply now!
The Dedham Vale National Landscape and Stour Valley has established the Stour Valley Environment Fund to support charities and voluntary groups working to enhance the environment in the Stour Valley.
Closing date: None – apply anytime
Geographic area: The entire Dedham Vale National Landscape and Stour Valley
Project delivery time-frame: To be agreed with Essex Community Foundation who manage the fund
Amount you may apply for per application: As a guideline you may wish to consider applying for in the region of/up to £2,500 (dependent on funds available)
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity section) in the Dedham Vale National Landscape – or where activity on the ground can bring benefit to the National Landscape.
Funding is provided by Defra, and by supporting the farmers, land managers and people who live and work in these areas, we can help protect these exceptional places and support local communities.