Changing Chalk

connecting nature, people and heritage

“We’re offering exciting funding opportunities to local Sussex organisations who want to make a difference to their community and the South Downs, says Changing Chalk lead, Sam Page.

Sussex groups from Shoreham to Eastbourne can now apply for grants to fund projects that will make a real difference to their local communities, thanks to Changing Chalk’s Community Grants Scheme. The scheme, run by the National Trust and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supports grassroots community-led initiatives that will help to restore lost habitats, bring local histories to life, and provide new experiences in the outdoors. With a total of £150,000 to award over three years, there are grants of up to £5,000 available for community projects and up to £10,000 available for projects focusing on restoring the chalk grassland of the Downs, a priority for Changing Chalk.

Sam Page, who leads Changing Chalk for the National Trust, comments: “The fragile chalk grassland of the South Downs is home to a wonderful array of beautiful yet threatened plants, butterflies and other wildlife. If this landscape is going to have a future, it’s vital that local people feel it’s theirs to enjoy and want to play a part in looking after it. That’s why we’re supporting local organisations who share our passion and want to make a difference to their community with this grant scheme.

The Grow Project is one such group who have already successfully applied for funding through the Changing Chalk Community Grants Scheme. As a result of the grant they can now support more adults with poor mental health by connecting them with nature to improve their wellbeing. Grow Project’s director, Jo Wren commented: ‘We were delighted to get one of the first grants from the Changing Chalk Community Grants Scheme. The funding has meant we can now spread our work beyond Brighton and Hove into areas like Shoreham and Southwick, something we’ve been wanting to do for some time. Other previously successful applications included projects to bring the history and heritage of the South Downs alive, including wellbeing walks, landscape study days, tools for volunteers, and chalk downland wildflower seed generation.

Community groups, charities, local organisations, and other non-profit making organisations such as social enterprises or community interest companies, can apply for these grants. Schools, town councils and parish councils can also apply, as long as their project demonstrates wider community involvement and benefit. The deadline for applications is 5 November, but groups with larger chalk grassland habitat conservation projects in mind can submit an Expression of Interest at any time for an award of up to £10,000.

All projects funded under this grant scheme need to deliver projects within the Changing Chalk area and meet objectives under the themes of Restoring Chalkland Diversity, Connecting Downs and Towns, and Hearts and Histories of the Downs. There is more information, including details of eligibility criteria, and how to apply at: Community Grant Scheme | Sussex | National Trust.

For more information about the Changing Chalk Partnership, including how to get involved in other ways, visit: Changing Chalk project | Sussex | National Trust