Money totalling £300,000 is available to assist projects that support the landscape and heritage of the West Wight.  The West Wight Landscape Partnership is appealing to groups and individuals who could be eligible for this grant aid of up to £15,000 to come forward.

A funding pot of £300,000 has been made available by the West Wight Landscape Partnership to support projects that conserve the landscape and heritage of the West Wight or enable people to learn about these rich assets.

The Landscape Heritage Grants programme offers grants of between £1,000 to £15,000 for projects which are located within the constituency areas of Brighstone, Calbourne, Freshwater, Shalfleet and Totland Parish Councils as well as Yarmouth Town Council.
 
Using monies secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund the West Wight Landscape Partnership is working on a range of projects with communities, landowners and local groups to conserve the special qualities of the West Wight landscape and provide new opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the area’s natural, built and cultural heritage.

The partnership currently comprises the Isle of Wight Council, the Parish and Town Councils of Brighstone, Freshwater, Totland and Yarmouth, the National Trust, IW AONB Partnership, Hants and IW Wildlife Trust, IW Economic Partnership and West Wight Chamber of Commerce.

Sue Poston, Chair of the West Wight Landscape Partnership said:

“The Landscape Heritage Grants programme represents a fabulous opportunity for the West Wight.
 
“We have spectacular landscapes and an endless supply of interesting and dynamic heritage; the programme will assist with the conservation, enhancement and interpretation of the elements that help give the West Wight its distinctive nature.”

The first of the grants are expected to be distributed during October 2009. All projects will need to demonstrate community benefit and compliment the area within which they will be based. For details about this or the grants programme or any other aspect of the West Wight Landscape Partnership’s work please contact Karl Dyson on 759779.