For the fourth year running, the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Stour Valley Project are offering grants to community groups and organisations promoting and achieving sustainable development in the Dedham Vale AONB.

"The Sustainable Development Fund is an excellent pump-priming resource for projects that might not otherwise see the light of day," said Katherine Blake, Project Manager. "We're particularly keen to discuss ideas with people at an early stage, and help them through the application process."

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, for projects that can run until the end of March 2009, up to a total of £60,000. The first meeting of the Fund panel is mid-August.

Previous projects funded by the Dedham Value AONB Sustainable Development Fund include the Village Green Team's Say No to Plastic Bags campaign, East Feast and poplar felling to restore the views across the Dedham Vale.

The Sustainable Development Fund was established by the Government in 2005 as a way of enabling Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to support sustainable development initiatives by local communities and organisations. The 1987 Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as 'meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' Projects submitted should have beneficial impacts on the environment, the local economy and the local community.

For more information please contact the Dedham Value AONB and Stour Valley Project on 01473 264263.

Above Photo: Park Street Stores, Stoke by Nayland, was one of five local shops participating in the Village Green Teams 'Say No to Plastic' campaign, which received a grant from the Dedham Vale AONB's Sustainable Development Fund.