An opportunity for communities, individuals, voluntary groups, local authorities and the private sector to apply for funds towards their projects in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Sustainable Development Fund, administered by the AONB, provides grant aid for innovative, sustainable projects which involve local communities. Up to 50% of the project funding can be claimed and help with applying and claiming the grants is provided by Wye Valley AONB Community Links Officer, Sarah Sawyer.

The SDF has been set up by the Welsh Assembly Government and is available for projects in the Monmouthshire area of the AONB. Over the border Natural England co-ordinates the grants to be delivered by the AONB in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Successful grant applications help initiatives such as the Wye Valley Cheese operation at Gockett Farm, Lydart, Monmouthshire. Harry, Sue and Joe Ryder were successful in obtaining a grant of £2100 in 2007 which enabled them to convert a disused farm building and upgrade it to hygienic standards required for commercial cheese making.

It also helped them purchase specialist equipment. The cheese is now in the process of maturing and is on target for sale to the general public within six months to a year.

In Herefordshire, The Goodrich Greenspace Project received £7,400 which provided the residents with recreational facitlities in the form of wildflower meadow, wetland area and children's play area. Prior to the work there was no open area for children.

A grant of £2350 enabled Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to carry out monitoring and survey work about Dormice on the Lancaut and Ban-y-Gor Nature Reserves near Tidenham.

A volunteer initiative, the Great Nut Hunt, was organised and coppicing work to improve dormouse habitat was able to be financed together with safer path access work.

There is an application deadline of November 14th and the grant money, if awarded, has to be spent by March 31st 2009. If you feel your project or idea could benefit from a cash boost or need advice about the SDF then contact the Wye Valley AONB Community Links Officer, Sarah Sawyer, on 01600 710844, or email [email protected]">[email protected]

Designated in 1971, Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of our most treasured landscapes and is one of 49 AONBs throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It contains 3 Special Areas of Conservation, over 40 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and 4 National Nature Reserves and is unique in the fact that it straddles both England and Wales.

It stretches 45 miles along the lower reaches of the Wye and covers 128 sq miles.

This area has a significant industrial and archaeological heritage and is also the source of the Picturesque movement and the foundation of modern tourism.

Projects must meet the aims and objectives of the SDF and be located in or have direct benefit to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Sustainable Development Fund provides grant aid for innovative, sustainable projects involving local communities in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It aims through partnership, to develop and test ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in a countryside of great natural beauty and diversity.

The SDF seeks to conserve and enhance the local characteristics of wildlife, landscape, land use and community. Sustaining the social well-being and economic viability of communities are also important aims.

Any project must comply with any relevant regulatory requirements e.g planning permission, building regulations etc.