NORTHUMBERLAND National Park Authority has awarded a total of £14,950 to support eight local community projects.

In 2021, Northumberland National Park Authority launched its grant scheme offering funding towards projects that demonstrate a positive contribution towards the Park’s key aims.

These aims include: making the Park accessible for everyone, and highlighting the unique qualities of the Park including its cleanest rivers, darkest skies and rich heritage.

So far eight applicants have been successful in receiving funding.

The successful projects include: Northumberland Wildlife Trust (Red Squirrels Northern England), Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (TVCRP), Greenhead Parish Council (Tipalt Wetlands Project), Haltwhistle Partnership (Haltwhistle Living Landscapes), Cycling Minds CIC (Cycling Minds Project), Miscreations Theatre Ltd (The Wilding Theatre Project), Wark Parish Council (Stonehaugh Activity and Play Centre), and The Friends of Harbottle Castle.

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Jean Davidson, Northumberland National Park Chair, said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many fantastic community projects come forward in and around Northumberland National Park, and it’s incredible to see so many of them working towards addressing issues around climate change, nature recovery and access to the countryside for everyone.

“We’re lucky to live in or close to one of England’s finest landscapes and we understand the value of helping our local communities and organisations, especially following the pandemic and recent storms.

“As an Authority, we’re proud that communities are as passionate as we are to continue ensuring the Park is a unique and special place for current and future generations to enjoy.”