South Downs communities benefit from Sustainable Communities Fund

The latest projects to receive funding include: a film capturing one community’s work to bring its Saxon past to life, and the excavation and restoration of ancient burial mounds.

Ken Bodfish, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority’s Sustainable Communities Fund panel, said: “These projects are great examples of the innovation, drive, and community spirit of people across the South Downs National Park who want to create something for the benefit of all, and we are proud to give them our support.

“Any partnership, voluntary group or organisation undertaking a non-profit making project that socially, economically, environmentally or culturally benefits National Park communities can apply for SDNPA Sustainable Communities Funding.”

Large grants of between £13,000 and £20,000 have been awarded to two projects:

Funding of just over £13,700 to the Friends of Corhampton Saxon Church towards the archaeological survey of fourteen Saxon sites of interest in the Meon Valley, with a strong emphasis on the involvement and education of local communities, especially schoolchildren;

Funding of £20,000 to Petersfield Museum towards a project to excavate and restore the Petersfield Heath barrows and provide guided walks and tours for schools, other organisations and the public.

A further two projects have received small grants of up to £2,000:

Chichester and District Archaeology Society - for the purchase of survey equipment to carry out a topographical survey on Graffham Common;

Lewes Priory Trust - for repairs to the Battle of Lewes Monument.

The Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) grants are available for up to 60 per cent of the project cost from £250 to a maximum of £20,000. More information about how to apply to the fund is available at www.southdowns.gov.uk/communities/funding/sustainable-communities-fund.

Copy submitted by South Downs National Park Authority