This year the fund has supported 17 local projects by a diverse range of organisations, from a new garden at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, to planting native English Bluebells at Nore Barn Woods in Emsworth.

Roy Ewing from the Friends of Nore Barn Woods said ‘I would like to thank Chichester Harbour Conservancy for the grant, which allowed our team of over 20 people to plant 1000 native bluebell bulbs on a “Bluebell Planting Day” in December. We are looking forward to the fine display of bluebells in May 2007 and subsequent years’.

The fund has also supported projects by Birdham School and the 1st Southbourne Sea Scouts, and many local churches, residents associations, sailing clubs and conservation groups.

The Sustainable Development Fund is a grant scheme that supports projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty now and the future. Chichester Harbour Conservancy has applied to Natural England, the governing body for AONBs, for further SDF funding for 2007/2008. For more information on the scheme or to register your interest in receiving grant funding, please contact Nicky Horter on 01243 512301.

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