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Sustainable development fund

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is about promoting the health and wellbeing of the environment, economy and people. It means helping us all live and work in a way that doesn't threaten our planet now or in the future.

National Parks are models for sustainable development in the countryside, and the National Parks in England and Wales are given money by the Westminster and Welsh governments to run the Sustainable Development Fund.

What is the Sustainable Development Fund?

With money from Defra and the Welsh Government, National Parks in England and Wales run the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). Launched in July 2000 in Wales and 2002 in England, this grant scheme encourages individuals and communities to find sustainable ways of living and working, while enhancing and conserving the local culture, wildlife and landscape.

A few SDF project case studies

Projects receive money from the Sustainable Developement Fund for up to 75% of their total cost in England and up to 50% in Wales. The grant can be for just a few hundred pounds or for many thousands of pounds. Applications can be made by individuals, businesses and community groups, in the public, private or voluntary sector.

What kind of projects are we looking for?

We are looking for projects that show some of the following:

• Environmental, social and economic sustainability
• Conservation and understanding of the National Park
• Explore 'models' or 'best practice' for sustainable living through innovative ideas
• Create new partnerships that have no access to alternative public funding
• Support or involvement of local communities
• Involve action by young people
• Encourage links with urban groups and visitors

So far the National Parks have supported projects ranging from installing woodburing heating systems, rainwater harvesting and building eco-buildings with turf roofs, to creating cycle centres and training young people to be 'Green Ambassadors'.

It's easy to apply for funding, and you can talk to someone about your project ideas to get some advice before you apply. To find out more about applying in your area by click on the links below. Scottish National Parks do not operate a Sustainable Development Fund but links are provided to some alternative grant schemes.