Applications are being invited to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), which has £175,000 to allocate in 2019/20.
A report on SDF activity in 2018/19 shows that £156,124 was granted to a total of 27 projects. Each project not only supported local communities or businesses but also helped to either improve the environment of the National Park or provide opportunities for people to enjoy it.
In the west of the park, in the South Lakeland and Eden districts, projects included the installation of interactive displays at Kirkby Lonsdale Tourist Information Centre (SDF grant of £3,044); energy saving measures and a green roof at Sedbergh School’s new Sports Hall (£20,000); and promotion of the Westmorland Dales Day (£919).
In the south, in Craven, projects included a ‘virtual tour’ telling the story of the archaeology of Victoria Cave near Settle (£4,959); archaeological investigations on a former medieval chapel site in Malham (£9,919); and installation of a new underground electricity cable to serve Long Preston’s playing fields pavilion (£5,000).
In Richmondshire, projects included the refurbishment of Hawes Market House kitchen plus new fire doors and decoration (£9,560); installation of a new energy efficient heating boiler for Thornton Rust Institute (£3,086); and new solar panels and low energy lighting to Raydale Camping Barn (£1,980).
The National Park Authority’s Member Champion for Sustainable Development, Chris Clark, said: “We have had a very good start to 2019-20, with eight projects already under consideration. I would urge individuals, businesses or community groups to get in touch soon if they have a project idea that may need a helping hand. The SDF is one of the very practical ways the National Park Authority is supporting local communities.”
Enquirers can get in touch by phone on 01969 652337, or by using the SDF email address, [email protected].
An application form, a set of guidance notes and case studies can be found at http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/living-and-working/sdf.
