Wealden District Council’s Community Spaces Grants programme has allocated £15,850.76 towards seven projects to help improve local rural green spaces.
The grants programme was launched on Friday 29 September 2023 and projects were completed by June 2024.
The funding programme was made available through the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund. The England-wide initiative is a new £110million, two-year capital fund from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs, complementary to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It has enabled councils to support projects in rural areas of the district.
Details of the projects are:
Installation of two seats, which will be made from sustainable materials within play area at Waldron Recreation Ground and one seat in Hardy Roberts Rec Ground.
Grant allocated £1157
Posey Green: Incorporating new seating and a new cycle rack.
Herstmonceux Recreation Ground: 10-12 cycle racks and a shelter for buggies to encourage active travel rather than car use.
Grant allocated £4292.5
Installation of two cycle racks and four memorial benches made from 100% recycled materials along Horam Get Active Pathway.
Comments from the local community after the project was completed:
“I am really lucky to have this on my doorstep. It has improved walking in the winter months”
“Its a great improvement for me walking the dog”
“I am really pleased to see new benches, the whole area looks great now”
“The new bike racks have encouraged more visitors to use the rec and all of it’s facilities whilst encouraging less car journeys.”
“People are happy to leave bikes safely whilst they are enjoying the various facilities at the community space, and more cyclists using the nearby Cuckoo Trail have been encouraged to visit”
“I have to say that the path has been a great success, now with the benches and extra bins added the area has become even more of an asset for Horam than it was even before.”
“I just want to congratulate you and your committee for achieving this great milestone for the community.”
Grant allocated £2120.5
Contribution towards a wood chipper to help improve the paths in church wood and make it more user friendly.
Grant allocated £2104.82
Creating a friendship garden predominately for older people to enjoy nature and working in the garden. The produce grown will support RSM’s weekly luncheon club and ‘Feed it Back’ table.
The community within Rotherfield were involved in the project. Pathways around the garden have made the area accessible for people with reduced mobility. The garden has many possibilities for growing, working with local groups such as school children,
learning and friendship.
Quotes from the community: “I cant believe we now have this facility in our community” “I’m so excited to get growing”
“Cant wait to get food on the menu”
“what a peaceful haven for older people”.
Grant allocated £2600
Improvements to a number of footpaths and access points to increase accessibility to the reserves.
Grant allocated £959.94
Purchase of an accessible basket swing for Teasley Mead Recreation Ground.
Grant allocated £2616