Bowland Tourism Environment Fund

The Forest of Bowland was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1964 covering 312 sq miles of moorland, fringe farmland, woodland and open river and reservoir landscapes. The Forest of Bowland AONB is a nationally protected landscape and internationally important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds.  The AONB is managed by a partnership which works to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of this special area.

The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to protect and conserve the natural beauty of the area, whilst having regard to the social and economic needs of the landowners, farmers and communities. The AONB also has a duty to cater for recreation and tourism, but only if this is consistent with protecting the natural beauty of the area.  It is for this reason that we are promoting sustainable tourism within the Forest of Bowland: tourism which is dependent upon the area’s environment, and which seeks to enhance that environment, not detract from it.

What is the Bowland Tourism Environment Fund?

The Bowland Tourism Environment Fund (BTEF) is a social enterprise charity which has been established to encourage tourism businesses, visitors, local communities and groups to work together in caring for the Forest of Bowland landscape. It objects are to:

  • promote, enhance, improve, protect and conserve the physical and natural environment and its natural beauty for the public benefit within the Forest of Bowland, 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) and its environs ("the area of benefit"); and
  • advance the education of the public in the physical and natural environment and in particular the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment.

The charity's Trustees are local tourism operators: Jonty Collinson (Scorton Village Shop and Wyresdale Wheels for All) Colin Clifford (Off the Rails) and Ann Shaw (Parkfoot Holiday Park and Hornby Village Institute) Its registered office is, Post Office, The Square, Scorton, PR3 1AU and Company number 6994972.

BTEF raises funds from visitor donations, pay-back schemes and other sources. It will also benefit from any profits earned by its trading subsidiary, Bowland Experience Limited (BEx). BEx provides a vehicle for collaborative marketing and promotional activity by private sector tourism businesses across the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. BTEF will provide easily accessible funds for small local projects, which will benefit both visitors and the local environment.

Grant Scheme

How much funding is available?

  • Projects can apply for up to a maximum of £500 (This includes VAT if the organisation is not VAT registered)
  • Up to 100% grant funding may be available for suitable projects although applicants will be expected to contribute in kind towards project delivery

Who can apply?

Public, private, voluntary sector, individuals, businesses or community groups can apply. Individuals or businesses can only be beneficiaries where the project shows a clear benefit to the wider community or visitors to the Forest of Bowland AONB. All projects must be carried out within the Forest of Bowland AONB itself or bring clear benefits to the AONB if located within a 2 kilometre buffer zone around the statutory designated area.

Eligible Projects

Projects applying to the fund must achieve at least 3 of the following objectives to the satisfaction of the grant panel and the board of the Fund:

  • Demonstrate commitment to the project by way of match funding, maintenance, in kind contributions or fundraising
  • Improve the appearance of tourism, heritage and community facilities
  • Help improve, conserve and protect important landscapes and habitats in the Forest of Bowland
  • Providing information for visitors about Forest of Bowland special qualities and facilities in the area
  • Improve access for all sectors of the community
  • Maintain the landscape and access to it to improve visitor enjoyment
  • Improve and promote the built and cultural heritage of the area

How will applications be assessed?

Applications for grants should be made in writing and include the following

  • Contact name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
  • Brief description of the current situation and what is to be achieved with the grant funding
  • Detailed breakdown of the costs of the project and any other income or match funding which will be needed to cover any costs over £500
  • Details of landowner permission or other relevant permissions (e.g. planning consents) which are needed or have already been agreed/obtained
  • A map/plan of the project area
  • If the applicant group or organisation is VAT registered, details of VAT registration number

Applications will be assessed by a grant panel made up of representatives from a range of organisations, which work within or are involved in work carried out in the Forest of Bowland.  The panel will also consult Countryside Officers working in the Forest of Bowland AONB, The Environment Agency, The Wildlife Trust and other relevant bodies where appropriate. The Fund aims give a decision an application within 4 weeks. The grant panel will submit recommendations for grants to the board of the Fund for approval.

 

Payment Process

  • Payment will be made upon production of a brief final report, proof of expenditure in the form of invoices and photographs of the completed project
  • All projects will be monitored prior to final payment
  • Payments are usually paid in arrears, however if there are circumstances that require funding to be paid in advance then please contact us and we will discuss the options which may be available.

How to apply for a grant

Address enquiries to: Forest of Bowland AONB, The Stables, 4 Root Hill Estate Yard, Dunsop Bridge, BB7 3AY. Tel: 01200 448000