Deadline: 28-Feb-23
The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has launched the Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement Fund.
The Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement Fund has been established to enhance the landscape around Wytch Farm oilfield and is supported by the Dorset AONB, Dorset Council, Natural England and Perenco UK. The fund is for projects that will moderate the impacts of the oilfield on the local landscape, wildlife and rights of way.
The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a nationally important protected landscape, with vibrant communities and a wealth of wildlife and heritage. Within the AONB is the largest onshore oilfield in Europe, at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle
Landowners, conservation and community groups or individuals can apply for funding for projects which meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Strengthen the character of the surrounding landscape by the creation, conservation, enhancement and management of heathland and acid grassland;
- Enhance biodiversity by the conservation, enhancement and management of boundary features (such as hedgerows, veteran trees and earthbanks), woodlands (such as rhododendron control) and rural lanes; and / or
- Improve rights of way and / or facilities to provide car-free access and conserve tranquillit
What kinds of project can be funded?
- Projects can be funded which:
- Strengthen the character of the surrounding landscape by heathland and acid grassland mosaic creation, conservation, enhancement and management.
- Enhance biodiversity by the conservation, enhancement and management of boundary features (hedgerows, veteran trees and earth banks), woodlands (e.g. through Rhododendron control) and rural lanes.
- Improve rights of way and / or facilities for no-car access and conserving tranquillity.
Projects will be assessed as being in highest, intermediate or lowest priority areas depending on their location:
- Highest priority area: projects within the South Purbeck Heaths or Rempstone Wooded Pastures character areas and within the zone of visual influence.
- Intermediate priority area: projects located within the South Purbeck Heaths or Rempstone Wooded Pastures character areas but outside the zone of visual influence.
- Lowest priority area: projects outside the South Purbeck Heaths or Rempstone Wooded Pastures character areas but within the zone of visual influence (including Kimmeridge).
- The South Purbeck Heaths Landscape Character Area includes the villages of Arne, Ridge, Stoborough and West Holme and part of Studland village.
- The Rempstone Wooded Pasture Landscape Character Area includes the majority of Studland village, the northern edge of Corfe Castle village, East Creech and part of East Lulworth.
- The zone of visual influence includes areas around Kimmeridge.
Eligibility Criteria
- Anyone (individual, group or organisation) can apply to the fund, providing the project is within one of the priority areas, and meets one or more of the key criteria (landscape, biodiversity or access).
For more information, visit Dorset.