Restoring a nationally-important bat roost, improvements to a nature reserve and a new community eco-shelter are among the exciting projects to benefit from a National Park fund.

A range of inspiring initiatives across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex have been awarded grant funding from the Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF). 

The dedicated community fund is a partnership between the South Downs National Park Trust, the official independent charity for the National Park, and the South Downs National Park Authority.

An initiative to create a new community eco-shelter in Petersfield will benefit from a grant of £10,000. A traditional wooden shelter, complete with a green roof, will be built at the community garden on the Adhurst Allotments to help encourage school visits and youth volunteering. 

Vanessa Rowlands, chairman of the National Park Authority, said: “Volunteers and community groups are the lifeblood of the South Downs National Park. They give so much time, energy and dedication that benefits this treasured landscape, its communities and wildlife, but they often lack funds.

“This is where the Sustainable Communities Fund can make a real difference. We’re pleased to be able to award these grants to a variety of really inspirational projects that will aid nature recovery, celebrate heritage and create wellbeing opportunities for people of all ages.

“I look forward to seeing how these projects progress over the coming years!”

For more information on the Sustainable Communities Fund and to find out about applying for a grant, visit: southdownstrust.org.uk/scf/.