GRANTS of up to £2,000 are available for projects in the Mendip Hills National Landscape and through East Mendip to Frome.

Last year the fund was able to award £10,000 to nine different projects.

The Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications between January 2 and March 2, with all the applications going to the panel in March, regardless of when they are submitted between those dates.

Grants will be awarded to support community and voluntary group projects that want to; help their local wildlife, get their community involved in a project, support social and economic initiatives like improving community facilities, or support for start-up of social enterprises, for example local food initiatives.

The fund is supported by ‘visitor-giving’ schemes such as local campsites, outdoor activity centres and event organisers making a donation.

Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills national landscape manager said: “It's remarkable how a small grant can help can help local groups really make a difference. Last year the Mendip Hills Fund was able to help schools, community groups, parish councils achieve their aims.

“New people were introduced to the area, volunteers supported and improvements for wildlife made. Thanks to all the people and organisations that donate to the fund. I'm pleased to report we will be able to award more money than last year.”

The fund was set up with the Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership and Somerset Community Foundation.

If a project in the Mendip area thinks it might fit the criteria for application to the Mendip Hills Fund, call Jim Hardcastle, of the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team, on 01761 462338 or SCF programmes manager Kirsty Campbell on 01749 344949.

People and groups can also apply online anytime between January 2 and March 2 on the Somerset Community Foundation website: somersetcf.org.uk