The East Devon National Landscape is pleased to announce the launch of the East Devon National Landscape Fund, formerly known as the Communities Project Fund. This fund will help local communities bring their ideas to life, supporting the National Landscape’s purpose to conserve, enhance and celebrate the natural beauty of this protected area.

The fund aims to tackle current challenges, including biodiversity loss, poor mental and physical health, and climate change. Successful projects in previous years have included arts engagement for local people to connect with their local rivers, hedgerow creation, environmental talks at local festivals, upskilling volunteers through training and surveying wildlife.

“This Fund is a vital resource for our communities”

says Steph Aburrow, Project Officer in the East Devon National Landscape team. “It supports local people take action on the issues that matter most to them. There’s plenty of driven people with innovative ideas that can work towards a better, more resilient environment and health of our communities. This is our way of helping to make these project ideas a reality.”

Projects eligible for funding will demonstrate a clear alignment with the East Devon National Landscape’s priorities, focusing on:

• Nature: Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable land management.
• Climate: Reducing carbon emissions, adapting to climate change impacts, and promoting renewable energy.
• People: Improving access to nature, promoting outdoor recreation and wellbeing, and connecting local communities with nature.
• Place: Celebrating the unique cultural heritage and landscape character of East Devon.

The East Devon National Landscape Fund welcomes applications from a wide range of community groups, organisations, and individuals. The application window opens from 1st April 2025 and will close midnight on the 11th May 2025. Further information about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the application process can be found at East Devon National Landscape Fund .