Crowborough groups and organisations passionate about wildlife and our local landscape are being invited to apply for a High Weald Nature and Community Fund grant.
The High Weald is a patchwork of rolling hills, ancient woodland, winding lanes and scattered farmsteads that has remained remarkably unchanged since medieval times. And Crowborough is situated right in at the heart of it.
It is now called The High Weald National Landscape and was previously known as the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
And the partnership body that manages the area has launched new funding grants to help local groups improve their landscape, carry out a wildlife project, or encourage more people to connect with nature.
A spokesperson said: “Landscapes like this need looking after. They rely on communities, landowners and volunteers to care for them and safeguard them for future generations. The good news is that there is funding available to help people support and help protect this special place.”
The funding is open to charities, community groups, churches, parish councils and landowners across the High Weald. Whether your idea is big or small, if it supports the landscape and local communities, it could be eligible.
Grants of £500 to £20,000 are available for projects that benefit nature and people. This year, a total of £300,000 is on offer.
Projects might include creating community gardens, orchards or allotments, restoring natural habitats such as hedgerows or ponds, supporting species through installing bird and bat boxes, or running activities that help people connect with nature.
The deadline for initial enquiries is 12 June 2026, and the final deadline for applications is 13 July 2026, so there’s plenty of time to develop your idea.
Since launching in 2017, the Nature and Community Fund has supported over 300 projects, awarding almost £2 million across the High Weald. It’s already making a real and lasting difference. Last year’s beneficiaries included:
NB: For 30 years, 15 local authorities – through the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) – have worked together to care for the area: conserving and enhancing the High Weald and furthering public understanding and enjoyment of it.
The High Weald National Landscape Team is a small, independent, specialist team working day-to-day on behalf of the JAC, Defra and Natural England. Together, these bodies form the High Weald National Landscape Partnership.