Cornwall Council has announced a new £4.6m pot of funding aimed at rural communities and businesses, to which eligible organisations may apply, which could support the development of new sustainable transport infrastructure across the region.
The money is intended for investment into community infrastructure and nature-based solutions to support local climate targets.
The council has said successful projects could receive between £200,000 and £1m, with examples of potential schemes including the development of local nature trails, increased accessibility of footpaths and new active travel infrastructure.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund, which is being financed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will be delivered alongside the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund.
Applications for the Rural Fund are open now and close on 24 of July 2023, with a project completion deadline of March 2025.
This fund comes in addition to the £132m Shared Prosperity Fund awarded to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as part of the government’s broader levelling up agenda.
Martyn Alvey, cabinet member for environment and climate change at Cornwall Council, said: “I’m pleased to see the addition of the Rural Fund added to the existing Shared Prosperity Fund offer.
“This will give a boost to residents and businesses across our distinctive rural communities offering new funding opportunities for projects that specifically address rural needs. I encourage anyone interested to submit an expression of interest so we can review your idea and offer advice on how to complete the full application.”
