Sustainable Development Fund

Since 2005 the SDF has funded a wide range of projects that have helped to protect and enhance the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The fund seeks to encourage individuals, community groups and businesses to work together, and we particularly look for projects which test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in the Blackdown Hills.

Projects need to show that they have an environmental, social, or economic benefit, and ideally a combination of all three. In 2009 we are particularly interested in projects which involve young people.

To apply for SDF funding, please read the guidance note below and use the checklist to check whether your project meets the criteria. Then complete one of the application forms, depending on the levels of funding you require.

Send your application and the completed checklist to Nickie Moore at the AONB Office.

If you're not sure about the criteria or the application process, please contact us for advice.

SDF guidance notes 2009-2010

SDF application form up to £1000

SDF application form £1000 - £10,000

SDF checklist for applicants

Deadlines for 2009 funding rounds are:

30 June 2009
31 August 2009
30 September 2009

Decisions on funding applications will be made within three weeks of each deadline.

Recently funded projects

Projects approved for funding at the meetings of the SDF panel between April and September 2009:

Blackdown Common, Culmstock - access improvement and training: £1,806.
Blackdowns Young Environmentalists (BYE) - working with young people in the Blackdown Hills: £8,616.
The Border project - two visual arts projects across the border between Devon and Somerset: £1,997 and £986.
BorderDance (Landance) - performing arts project linked to the Border project: £5,000
Neroche Earthouse (Forestry Commission) - creation of a focal point and shelter for countryside and heritage interpretation activities: £9000. Conditional upon securing support from the Heritag Lottery Fund.
Wambrook Meadow Festival (Libby Lister) - a celebration of traditional rural living: £1,800.
Hemyock Hands on History (Exeter Archaeology) - an opportunity for local children and adults to learn more about an exciting pottery find: £3,389.25.
'The Life and Times of Hemyock' book (Brian Clist) - a collection of historically important notes, documents and memoirs: £1000. (Small Grant)
Cycling in the Blackdown Hills (BHAONB) - update and redesign of cycle route pack: £1000. (Small Grant)
Working our Woodlands (Silvanus) - a joint project with Making it Local and Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs to strengthen local supply chains and maximize business: £4,500.
Neroche Parish Plan - facilitation of community consultation process and production of Plan: £950. (Small Grant)
Making it Local Development Workers - employment of two posts to assist in the development of potential projects: £3,750.

For further information on the above projects you can download this pdf version of the latest SDF Update Report.