The Forest of Bowland AONB Sustainable Development Fund is a grant scheme which supports projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Forest of Bowland AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund is now OPEN for 2013

Follow these links to download GUIDANCE for the fund or for an APPLICATION FORM.

We have set an initial closing date for the fund of MONDAY 22 JULY 2013 and the grants panel will meet to select successful applications on 6 August. All applicants will be notified as soon as possible after that date. If funds allow, a further closing date will be set later on in the year. This year, for the first time, SDF is to be managed by Champion Bowland and this means that grants can be offered for a full 12 months – giving you extra time to complete and report on your project.
Please note that this year the fund is limited to just £26,000 so we will be prioritising projects which demonstrate innovative and sustainable solutions to local issues whilst also delivering actions from our current AONB Management Plan.
Grants are normally within the region of £500 to £5000, but we will consider larger grants if they are viewed as particularly innovative.
If you have an idea for a project please contact cathy [dot] hopley [at] lancashire [dot] gov [dot] uk or call on 01200 448000, as we can guide you through the criteria and application process, hopefully making for a more successful bid.  For details of projects funded in the past, please browse through the reports listed on the left hand side of the page.

Quote from a 2012 grant recipient:

'Many thanks on behalf of our volunteers for your help in equipping them for the task -  I know that many of them gain inspiration and become more dedicated when their efforts are recognised and supported in such a substantial way by other partners - your help and that of the AONB team is very much appreciated - it makes a big difference.'