On the hunt for bright, sustainable new ideas (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

On the hunt for bright, sustainable new ideas

11:52am Friday 5th February 2010

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IN THE mists of the coldest winter for 30 years, some of you may be wondering whether the fuss about global warming has been exaggerated. Irrespective of your views, there is no denying that the way we live is placing an increasing burden on the planet.

Here in the North York Moors National Park – as well as in and in other national parks and AONBs around the UK – there is a pot of money to support projects and ideas that bring about a more sustainable way of life.

Over the past eight years, the North York Moors Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has granted over £1.2million to help more than 100 projects developing new ways of living sustainably to become a reality.

From projects connected to local produce, culture and education to others that have embraced efficient and renewable energy technologies – they all have a common thread of improving the environment of the North York Moors and the quality of life of the people who live here.

The SDF has £180,000 each year to award in grants of up to £40,000. Larger amounts have been awarded in exceptional circumstances, but you will need to really blow our socks off and demonstrate significant benefits in terms of sustainability.

Up to 75 per cent of a project’s costs can be supported by the SDF and match funding can include volunteer time.

So who can apply? Individuals, business or community groups from the public, private or voluntary sector.

We’re not fussy. We’re just looking for innovative ideas that bring social, economic and/or environmental benefits, have the support or involvement of communities and seek to inspire others to live more sustainably.

One community to benefit in the last year is Fylingdales, which is using funding from the SDF to give its village hall a green makeover. The installation of solar panels, a biomass boiler and a rainwater harvesting system are just some of the energy-efficient measures which aim to revitalise the hall and put it back at the heart of the community.

Fourteen homes in Bransdale are also set to benefit from new wood burning appliances thanks in part to funding from the SDF. The National Trust plans to convert properties from fossil fuel to woodfuel to take advantage of a locally available source of woodfuel from Forestry Commission land.

Finally, there’s an opportunity for young people to gain new skills as part of the Cinder Track project on the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line. An improvement team employing young people who have been out of work for some time will carry out enhancements to the railway to ensure the sustainability of this wonderful community resource.

If reading this, you’ve suddenly had an idea about something that could benefit your community, fill in a Project Ideas Form at moors.uk.net/sdf or give me a call on 01439-770657 to discuss your idea. You’ll also find plenty of information on the website about the SDF and the projects it has supported.

The funds for the Sustainable Development Fund are provided by Defra.

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