Grants of up to £5,000 are available for non-profit organisations, parish councils and landowners in 2019 for projects that care for and enhance the South Downs National Park and promote opportunities for people to understand and enjoy it.

Daniel Greenwood, volunteer development officer, for the South Downs National Park, said: “Got an idea for a project in your community that the Volunteer Ranger Service can help deliver? Whether it’s refurbishing a community pond, creating a sensory garden, creating wildflower meadows or butterfly banks, this is your opportunity to make it happen.”

The grants are available thanks to the new South Downs Volunteer Conservation Fund, managed by the South Downs National Park Trust in partnership with the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service (VRS) and to be eligible, projects must use the practical support of the VRS.

Almost any project which helps to conserve or enhance the National Park is eligible, provided it fits with the National Park Partnership Management Plan and makes use of the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service.

The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is 31 March 2019 and the first grants will be awarded in June 2019. Find out more at www.southdownstrust.org.uk/volunteer-fund