The Sustainable Development Fund is a grant scheme to encourage sustainable living within the New Forest National Park, the funding for which comes from Defra. The fund seeks to support applications from individuals, community groups and businesses for projects that will bring environmental, economic and community benefits as well as furthering at least one of the National Park purposes:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park; and
• To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Park’s special qualities by the public.

We particularly welcome applications for projects that will help to address the challenges we face from climate change by reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources and helping people to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Since the fund began in April 2006 over 60 projects have been supported and funding of around £678,000 has been allocated.

Funding is currently available, so if you have a project idea please contact us to discuss it.

Sustainable Development Fund Report to Defra 2008 -2009 (2.5 MB)

Projects

The most recent projects that have been allocated grants from the Sustainable Development Fund are:

• New Forest Invasive Non-native Plants Project - improving the habitats of the National Park.
• New Forest Food Challenge - a community project to encourage the use of local food produce.
• Roots Youth Theatre Project - communicating about climate change.
• Lyndhurst Community Centre - biomass heating system

Follow the link to find out about other Projects supported by the Sustainable Development Fund