More than £11,000 of funding has been awarded to community projects in Leiston and Sizewell through the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Galloper Wind Farm Fund.

The Fund, which supports projects that contribute to the appearance, setting, conservation, amenity, accessibility, and enjoyment of the area within a 5km radius of the Galloper substation, has for the 2022/23 funding year awarded six projects a combined total of £11,350. .

• The largest award was to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, who will use the funds to train six local teaching staff to enable them to run outdoor, marine based, learning activities to children at their schools.
• The 1st Leiston Scout Group received over £2,000 to upgrade the 20-year-old heating system of the Scout Hut.
• The Royal British Legion Band received funding for the refurbishment of the Ex-Service Club, in Leiston. The building, which has fallen into a state of disrepair, will be refurbished with new insulation and lighting to turn the building into a useable community hub. 
• Funding was provided to a new Creative Curve heritage project focused on supporting and preserving common land known as ‘The Fens’, between Aldringham and Thorpeness. The funding supports engagement with, and production of, a sculptural interpretation and community panel on The Fens, which has a SSSI designation and a well-used footpath network.
• Leiston Community Land Trust received £2,000 for the Leiston Church Square Community Garden project. This grant award supports a Project Manager role to co-ordinate community events and activities, a cycle rack, interpretation board, and new garden equipment. 
• Alde Valley Academy received funding for a new SEND sensory and vegetable garden for SEND students (with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to allow them to grow vegetables and complete hands-on activities in the fresh air. 

Sean Chenery, General Manager, Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, said: “We are delighted our community funds can provide financial assistance where it can make a difference to the day-to-day life of the communities that neighbour our substation.

“The current economic climate has resulted in many community groups struggling to access grant funding, which makes locally managed funds like these even more valuable to communities. I would urge other groups in the area who could benefit from some funding to consider making an application to the AONB fund.”

The fund is held by Suffolk County Council and administered by Coast & Heaths AONB on behalf of Galloper Wind Farm Ltd.

You can find out more about the Galloper Wind Farm Fund and all of the AONB’s grants programmes by visiting www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/managing.