North Wessex Downs AONB
 People living in the parishes of Fyfield, West Overton, East Kennett, Avebury, Winterbourne Monkton, Berwick Bassett and Broad Hinton are privileged to live in a magnificent landscape. The Marlborough Downs in the north and Horton Downs south of Avebury provide broad sweeping vistas. Together with the River Kennet valley this is all part of the larger North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

 The North Wessex Downs was designated an AONB in 1972 and is the third largest AONB in England. From the River Thames at Streatley in the east to the western edge at Heddington south of Calne, it includes the Ridgeway, the Vale of Pewsey, Watership Down, and most of the countryside in between. In 2004 the newly-formed Council of Partners agreed a 20 year vision for the area and a Management Plan which can be reflected in local parish plans.

The Management Plan stands up for what is important about this landscape. In the Upper Kennet Valley these include concerns over the flow (or lack of it) of the River Kennet, and the dark night skies. The Plan also shows how the natural beauty of the area can be enhanced, and places a strong emphasis on actions.

The North Wessex Downs AONB runs a Sustainable Development Fund grant scheme which aims to support local community groups carrying out environmental projects that help to deliver the Management Plan. All the projects will increase people’s understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

In 2005 more than £88,000 was distributed in Sustainable Development Fund grants to projects in the AONB – you can read about them on the website www.northwessexdowns.org.uk and go to SDF Grants.

The SDF grant scheme will be open from the end of February. Projects that encourage people to have a better understanding of the landscape in and around your villages, and increase people’s enjoyment of the countryside will be welcome. Guidelines and the Expression of Interest form will be on the website. Successful projects will have the demonstrable support of the local community, and may involve young people.