Natural England

A fund to boost sustainable development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) has succeeded in getting more than four hundred environmentally friendly, community focussed and economically beneficial projects up and running across the country.

In the Chilterns AONB £20,755 was given to seven projects in Bedfordshire, including a grant of £5,000 to tackle vandalism and protect wildlife habitats on the Blows Downs Nature Reserve on the edge of Dunstable. Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the site, developed a project to involve community groups in conservation tasks. New fencing and water troughs were also installed to enable cattle to graze and keep the reserve in good condition.

The Bedfordshire Chilterns contain well-known beauty spots such as Dunstable Downs and Sundon Hills Country Park.

Defra asked Natural England to set up a Sustainable Development Fund to help protect AONBs, while ensuring local communities prosper. Natural England is working with local AONB partnerships on issuing funds and finding the best ways of making the money work for individual sites.

Shaun Thomas, East of England Regional Director for Natural England, said: “This funding helps create a sustainable way of life for people living in areas of finest countryside. AONBs prosper when communities work together to support the local economy and care for the sensitive and unique environment.

“It’s great to see so many people powered projects working for a healthy and sustainable natural environment.”

Barry Gardiner, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs said: "I am pleased with the success of the Sustainable Development Fund for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the many varied and interesting projects which have benefited from it.

“Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are good for our health and wellbeing, and with our support the people living in and around them can help to combat climate change and take us a step closer to what we call One Planet Living."