Second round of Cannock Chase AONB funding now available!

Do you have a project in mind that will make a difference to Cannock Chase AONB, its wealth of wildlife and heritage and its communities? Projects must support the conservation and enhancement of this special area by providing an environmental, economic or social benefit – ideally all three.

Anyone (individual, groups or organisation) can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from the AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The fund is provided by Defra.

The closing date for applications is midnight 16 November 2020 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2021.

For grants of £500 or under we can fund up to 100% of the project costs. For awards over £500 we usually ask for match funding of between 25% – 50%. This can be made up from ‘in kind’ contributions such as volunteer time or the loan of premises or equipment.

You do not have to live or work within Cannock Chase to apply but, your project must have a direct positive impact upon the AONB, have a wider public benefit, and support one or more of the priorities set out in the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan. Please see our Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan page.

Projects supported in previous years include:  interpretation panels, habitat management, wildlife surveys, bird and bat boxes, social history research, leaflets and art projects.

Of the grant scheme, Frances Beatty, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee commented:

“Over the many years the scheme has been operating it has helped to fund projects such as educational and interpretational work, conserving wildlife, and improving health and wellbeing through the arts, all very different but all with the conservation of the unique landscape at their heart.  This grant is a very small recognition of the exceptional work by local volunteers and organisations year on year, all with a love of the Chase”.

For more information and how to apply, please see our ‘funding for your project’ page.

Image credit: Paul Roberts, Lead Ranger Shugborough Estate & Staffordshire Countryside, National Trust.