WARR Partnership RDPE Programme - Approved Projects
 

Project: Eco Camping Holidays
Applicant: Lunsford Farm

This farm diversification project enabled specialist, high quality, eco-camping facilities to be provided on a semi-permanent site in Pett. Tents and equipment are provided through “Feather Down Farm Days”, who also provide the marketing. The grant was used to convert a disused farm building to provide hot showers, toilet and storage facilities and a drying room, and to purchase fridges, garden furniture and a supply of adults’ and children’s bikes for visitors to use. The facilities provide a unique and comfortable experience of holidaying in the UK on a working farm.
 

Project: Stonesdown Barn Conversion
Applicant: H C Grissell

This farm diversification project converted a traditional, redundant cowshed which, though an attractive feature of the agricultural landscape, no longer had a viable agricultural use, into a one bedroom holiday cottage.  This brings in an additional income stream in the spring and summer months, when income from the farm is at its lowest, thereby improving the longer term sustainability of the farm.
 

Project: Dorian Horse Logging
Applicant: Sussex Horse Logging

Grant funding enabled a new business to be set up, offering horse-logging as a forest-friendly means of timber extraction. Horses can be used, at low capital cost, to work with a range of equipment in environmentally sensitive sites, or on steep or difficult terrain, negating the damage done by tractors and heavy machinery within forests and woodland.  They can also continue to work over the wetter winter months, when ground conditions could make heavy machinery destructive and/or dangerous to operate. The opportunity to witness traditional methods of forestry being carried out provides a visitor attraction and further encourages people out into the countryside.
 

Project: Lamb Farm Barn Conversion
Applicant: Wright Farm Partnership

This farm diversification project converted a traditional redundant early 19^th Century brick wool shed, which would otherwise have been lost to decay, into 2 two bedroom holiday homes. It will produce an income away from the core agricultural business to support the years that are lean in farming and its busy times will occur during the slacker times of the existing farm business.
 

Project: Burwash Parish and CommunityWebsite
Applicant: Burwash Parish Council

The Parish Council used grant funding to enable them to develop an online presence for the villages of Burwash, Burwash Weald and Burwash Common. Serving as a primary information portal for local residents, businesses and domestic and international tourists, it is acting as a catalyst to facilitate social and economic renewal within this rural area of Rother. It is increasing participation in community activities by attracting tourists, addressing social deprivation and stemming economic decline, and by increasing awareness and usage of local community-based services and amenities. 
 

Project: Etchingham Station
Applicant: De Etchingham CIC

A survey for the Village Action Plan had identified the need for a social venue, as Etchingham had no cafes or restaurants, and the local pub had closed several years previously. The De Etchingham Community Interest Company was established by a group of five villagers, with the aim of developing the unused station master’s house and garden into a visual and social focus for the village. Grant funding enabled them to convert this into a Bistro which, in addition to providing a venue for local residents, is providing services to commuters, from the obvious drink/snacks and light meals, to the reintroduction of toilet facilities for public use. The new business has created local employment opportunities and will ultimately generate funds for future charitable use in the village.
 

Project: Andy Groombridge Forestry Machinery
Applicant: Andy Groombridge

This Contractor had an established forestry harvesting business and also sold logs and fencing materials. His end-user customer base had expanded rapidly over the previous 6 months and, due to equipment limitations, he was struggling to keep pace with demand. The purchase of timber extraction equipment improved efficiency by enabling him to extract timber and coppice poles from woodland as needed for the firewood business (rather than having to rely on sub-contractors to complete this work), and to transport softwood thinnings straight to the wood-chip supplier. This has not only streamlined his own business, but also makes more profitable and efficient use of the produce from the estate woodlands on which he works.
 

Project: About the Girl
Applicant: about the girl ltd

about the girl is a new mastectomy lingerie company, set up to enable women who have had breast surgery to buy attractive, fashionable, sexy lingerie that will boost their self confidence and body image. Initially it imported mastectomy lingerie from Paris and used the internet as the principle sales medium, which enabled the applicant to develop a good understanding of the market. Grant funding was then used to; purchase portable display material to promote the service at medical conferences and events; specialist sewing machines to enable a made-to-order and customising manufacturing service to be set up; and specialist training courses. A small range of garments has now been designed, available in a wider range of sizes than currently available through the French supplier, which will be manufactured on demand. As the business expands, it is expected to offer additional employment, particularly for rural women.
 

Project: Hook & Son Milk Processing
Applicant: PGT Hook & Son

This organic dairy business had been selling raw and unpasteurised milk through a milk round established some two years previously and milk used to be bottled by hand in the kitchen, with bottles washed in a domestic dishwasher. An expanding customer base and potential new markets meant these facilities were no longer adequate and there was a need for greater efficiencies to improve rate of output, reduce costs and improve the hygiene rating (was rated as 3/4 stars, but they were aiming for 5 star). The project helped to secure and expand their processing capacity through the purchase of a semi-automatic bottling plant; cream separating and pot filling equipment; butter making equipment; and a cold refrigeration store. The increased capacity enabled them to commence a postal delivery service for their milk, significantly extending their sales area.
 

Project: Westfield Village Stores
Applicant:  Westfield Londis Ltd

This Village Stores had seen no improvements for over 16 years and was tired and dilapidated. With grant funding, its new owner was able to carry out a complete refurbishment, from flooring and electrics, to refrigeration, shelving, counters and the installation of a new EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system.  The improvements have increased the range of products stocked, to include chilled ready foods, dairy products, soft drinks and wines, and an enhanced range of local produce. Both customers and suppliers have benefited from the new displays and two new part time jobs have been created. The improved shopping experience will ensure that this Village Store remains an integral part of village life - not only for Westfield but also for its surrounding villages.
 

Project: Five Ashes Village Hall Upgrade
Applicant: Five Ashes Village Hall

This village hall is the focal point and venue for a number of activities within Five Ashes, but there was a concern that existing user groups would begin to seek alternative accommodation if the current facilities could not be improved. Funding was sought to install a new suspended grid system ceiling with recessed lighting panels, insulate the roof void above and add new induction loop facilities. As a result, light distribution within the main hall area has been improved and the existing lighting scheme upgraded to energy efficient lamps. This, together with a reduction in the heat lost through the roof structure, has reduced the hall’s energy bills and improved the environment for users in both winter and summer.
 

Project: Stone Cross Windmill Heritage Centre 
Applicant: Stone Cross Mill Trust

Funding enabled a Local Heritage and Exhibition Centre to be created within the Roundel of this Grade II* Listed Windmill. New insulation and heating ensures the room provides both a comfortable venue for visitors and a suitable environment for paintings, photographs and other artefacts, which previously had to be removed during the damp winter months. External landscaping has provided disabled access to the grounds, which now offer a more visually attractive environment and improved habitat for wildlife. The Centre is a year round venue and visitor attraction, which will raise essential revenue for the Mill’s maintenance and upkeep. It can be hired, for example for art and craft exhibitions, and offers links to various aspects of the primary, secondary and post 16 curriculum relating to industrial history, engineering and science for schools, colleges and youth groups.
 

Project: Rocks Farm Shop
Applicant: Rocks Smallholding

This smallholding, raising pigs, chickens and ducks, had opened a cutting room and farm shop two years previously, through which to sell their our own meat, together with local produce from other organic suppliers in the area. The second hand chilling equipment used did not meet current regulations and the Shop, which was crucial to the survival of the smallholding, was in danger of closure. Grant funding was utilised to purchase an internal cold room for the cutting room and a cold serve-over counter in the shop. The results for the business were both positive and immediate. Being able to maintain the correct storage temperatures significantly reduced wastage throughout the business and visibility through the new serve-over counter meant customers could see the full range for the first time, which increased the incidences of impulse buying.
 

Project: Upper Dicker Village Shop 
Applicant:  The Village Shop Upper Dicker Ltd

This is the only shop in the village and the range of services it offers provide a lifeline to local residents with limited mobility.  It already had a café and sold local produce, but limited facilities meant it was unable to increase the productivity of the pies, quiches, cakes, soups and salads (all prepared from local fruit and veg), for which demand was increasing. Funding enabled the installation of much needed kitchen equipment and amendments to the serving area and counter. This in turn allowed more tables to be added to the café and an internet facility was added, supported by the offer of free IT lessons from the local school. The purchase of a van enabled a delivery service to be set up and this also doubles as a mobile tuck shop at the local school and provides additional facilities for the many themed events run by the Shop.  The increase in business created two new jobs.
 

Project: Rye RFC Floodlight Training
Applicant:  Rye Rugby Football Club

The Club benefited from the purchase of a whole pitch floodlight system, enabling a greater area of ground space to be used on a rotational basis, to facilitate weekly training sessions. Previously only the piece of ground adjacent to the club house was lit and used, limiting the numbers, and more importantly the age range, that could train at any one time. Heavy rain regularly turned this area into something resembling a ploughed field, making it unusable and unsafe for younger members. The whole pitch system means four squads can train at any one time throughout the winter months, giving all members a greater opportunity to improve match fitness and playing techniques, and providing a healthy winter outdoor activity for youngsters in the area.
 

Project: Alciston & Selmeston Village Hall
Applicant: Alciston & Selmeston Village Hall Committee

This Hall was opened in July 1935, making it one of the longest established Village Halls in Sussex. The Committee had worked hard to keep the building up to date, but felt sustainability could only be ensured by attracting new hirers from a broader area. In order to expand private hire engagements such as weddings, birthday parties, luncheon clubs etc, grant funding was used to provide new catering facilities, services and interior finishes.
 

Project: Hole & Walker – Mobile Cattle Handler
Applicant: Montague Hankham

Livestock have to be handled with increasing frequency (e.g. TB testing/Blue Tongue vaccination etc.), and may need attention at short notice if ill or injured. Handling cattle without appropriate equipment is labour intensive and poor stock handling systems result in many of the injuries and fatalities caused on farms. The mobile cattle handler purchased with the grant has immediately improved the handling/welfare of the cattle on this and neighbouring farms across the Pevensey Levels. It has also reduced the number, and improved the safety, of men needed to complete the work, and it has improved the flexibility of grazing awkward land parcels within an SSSI.
 

Project: Hawthbush Eco Holiday Lets
Applicant: Hawthbush Farm

Diversification of the farm income beyond traditional farming activities was needed to ensure the sustainability of this 140 acre organic farm. The working farm as an underlying business was thought to provide an excellent environment for holiday makers seeking low impact eco holidays, and funding was used to sympathetically convert three redundant 19^th Century brick and tile agricultural buildings into high quality holiday lets.  In the off-season, these buildings are used to offer courses and tutoring, in collaboration with local artists and creative and holistic professionals.
 

Project: Waffle Bar
Applicant:  The Waffle Bar

This small manufacturer of real dairy ice cream and homemade waffles, sources ingredients from local farmers and sells produce with no colourings, additives or preservatives at events across the south east. The limitations of their equipment meant production was labour intensive and unable to keep up with increased demand, and energy bills were high. Investment in a larger more efficient ice cream machine, and a chest freezer, has enabled them to produce larger batches at a time. The opportunity to reach wider audiences, for longer time periods and with larger quantities of produce to offer, has greatly improved the longer term viability of the business.
 

Project: Trufflepig Films Upgrade (18.2.10)
Applicant: Trufflepig Films

Television is undergoing exceptional changes in the transition to High Definition broadcasting and has introduced new technical standards for programme makers. Upgraded film making equipment is required to meet these standards and without this, upcoming films cannot be sold to television. This company specialises in observational documentaries about rural issues, and TV sales were estimated to account for approximately 35% of future income. Without this return, the company could not have afforded to invest in further films and its chances of survival looked bleak. 
 

Project: Ash Hurdle Production
Applicant: Alexander Ball Ltd

This company already supplied birch bundles to racecourses across the country (during the supply season of August to March), but also received regular requests for ash hurdles (smaller type of jump).  They were able to source an abundance of suitable sized Ash trees locally, but required a tractor and crane to extract the saw logs from the woodland, and a milling machine to produce the hurdles. This new facility now provides them with all year round work, which has helped to push the business forward and improve cash flow.
 

Project: Kudos Foods and Post Office Stores
Applicant: Kudos Foods Ltd

The Food Shop, operated by Kudos Foods, merged with the adjoining Ripe Village Stores premises, to provide an up market frozen food retailer, incorporating grocery and delicatessen and a post office service. The amalgamation of the two businesses has allowed for a complete range of goods and services to be offered, with the profitability of some subsidising the opportunity of others.  Grant funding was used to fit out the extended area with a new Post Office counter and suitable display and storage facilities. Post office hours have been extended and additional staff employed.
 

Project: High Weald Cheese Packaging
Applicant:  High Weald Dairy

High Weald Dairy, based near Horsted Keynes, produces speciality cheeses, for which it has recently won a number of prestigious awards. Grant funding has enabled it to purchase new automatic packing and labelling equipment to improve both overall efficiency and the visual impact of its products. Existing sales outlets benefited immediately from the changes, which will also enable the business to penetrate the important supermarket sector.  Spare capacity has been offered to other cheese producers in the area, thereby ensuring that a number of businesses will benefit from this grant award.
 

Project: Brick Farm Lakes Fishing Lodge
Applicant: Brick Farm Lakes LLP

Brick Farm Lakes at Windmill Hill, near Hailsham, offers trout fishing from two well stocked lakes on a day ticket basis, but further growth in the business had been restricted by the lack of catering and toilet facilities. This grant enabled the building of a Timber Lodge on the site. Designed in keeping with the rural environment, this provides a bar area where tickets, food, drink and tackle can be purchased; a large seating area, where anglers can take a break, and educational and corporate activity days can be hosted; and disabled WC/cloakroom facilities to support the pre-existing disabled friendly fishing platform. Two new jobs have been created and the presence of a full time member of staff will increase security on site and enhance participation, especially for ladies and children. 
 

Project: Greenstable Bedding 
Applicant: Greenbottles Recycling Ltd

Based in Robertsbridge, this rural micro business provides recycling services to the hospitality and tourism sectors across East Sussex. Previously, the cardboard collected had to be shipped outside the area for recycling, but the grant award enabled the business to purchase equipment which allows it to be recycled locally, shredding it into environmentally friendly, biodegradable, dust-free horse and pet bedding. This green product, which offers cost savings against traditional products, will increase local demand for recycled cardboard and also created two new job opportunities in the area.
 

Project: Forest Ride Maintenance 
Applicant: G E Saunders Forestry Contractors Ltd

This Robertsbridge Contractor provided timber harvesting services to private woodland owners and the Forestry Commission. Grant funding was utilised to purchase equipment to enable them to extend their services to include a specialised forest ride clearance and maintenance service. Keeping forest rides and tracks open is important in terms of both public access and conservation. Mowing and maintaining forest rides increases their appeal to the public, providing a natural and healthy leisure space. Ride-side maintenance increases the number of grasses and flowering species, which in turn provide crucial nectar sources for our butterfly population.
 

Project: Rye Wurlitzer
Applicant: Rye College/Friends of Rye Wurlitzer

The Rye Wurlitzer is the second oldest Wurlitzer Theatre organ in the county and started life in the Palace Cinema in Tottenham in 1925, where it accompanied silent movies until 1929. In 1957 it was purchased by Rye College (then the Grammar School) for £450 and installed in its newly built hall.  The College does not have access to funding for the maintenance and restoration of the organ, and is dependent upon the fund-raising efforts of the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer (FORW). This grant has been used to add a superior relay system to the instrument, enhancing its overall playing capabilities and enabling professional recordings to be made. The latter benefits both concert organists and the growing band of students who have joined the Rye Wurlitzer Academy and receive free tuition on the instrument. 
 

Project: Sedlescombe Village Pump
Applicant: Sedlescombe Parish Council

The Pumphouse is a Grade II Listed Building, situated on the green at the heart of the village, and depicted in the Parish Council and CE Primary School logos. Built by a generous local benefactor 110 years ago, the pump provided a public water supply for residents until mains water came to the village in 1958. Both it and its shelter were in urgent need of refurbishment to ensure their survival and to retain historical details. This award enabled local specialists to commence work immediately on the refurbishment of the Pumphouse, whilst local fund raising continued with the objective of restoring the pump to full working order.
 

Project: Poppinghole Farm – Holiday Lets
Applicant: Poppinghole Farm

Poppinghole Farm provides the setting, and added attractions, to bring both UK and foreign tourists to East Sussex, but the farmhouse and outbuildings had fallen into disrepair under previous ownership. Grant funding has enabled the redundant barn/stables to be converted into three luxury 5 star holiday cottages.  In addition to the traditional holiday with sightseeing and swimming, visitors will be able to experience farming activities such as lambing; bring their own horses and enjoy nearby bridleways and woodland; fish in two well stocked lakes; enjoy a pamper break; or take part in craft courses such as cabinet making and pottery. The year round income generated as a result will ensure the long term sustainability of the farm and has created a number of new jobs.
 

Tottingworth Farm Shop
Applicant:  Tottingworth Farms Ltd

Tottingworth Farm rears herds of Limousin, British Blue and Galloway cattle, together with a large flock of sheep, and has its own on-site abattoir and full butchery facilities, serving the farming community and providing both wholesale and retail services.  Grant funding has enabled the farm to convert a disused barn into a new farm shop from which to sell its own Tottingworth beef, pork and lamb, including home produced meat pies, sausages, burgers, bacon and hams, together with locally sourced veg, fruit and juices and, in time, locally produced cheeses.  The shop will not only meet the growing demand for locally-produced food but will also encourage the general public to come onto a working farm and help to demystify the views held about abattoirs, demonstrating the connection between farming and the food chain, and better enabling people to make an informed choice from a greater selection of cuts of meat. The project will enable the butchers employed to demonstrate and enhance their skills by boning and rolling joints and adding stuffing/marinades etc., as well as adding value to the existing business.    
 

Hartfield Pavilion Restoration
Applicant: Hartfield Parish Council

After 31 years of heavy use, Hartfield’s Sports Pavilion was in need of an upgrade.  £14,000 raised locally had been used to improve changing areas, insulation and energy saving measures, and grant funding has been used to add new kitchen facilities, accessible toilets for wheelchair users, and a security system. In addition to providing a sporting facility, the Pavilion is also the venue for events such as the Village Fete, Horticultural Show and Annual Fun Run. Modern kitchen facilities (which replace a couple of fridge/freezers and a cupboard!) will enhance these events and also widen the Pavilion’s appeal to many other groups. Indeed, the new facilities will enable the Pavilion to operate more like a Community Centre, providing a focal point for village activity, where young and old can meet in mutual interest.
 

Salts Farm Shop
Applicant: Low Food Miles Ltd

The setting up and running of a new farm shop has helped to diversify the farm’s activities and improve sustainability, whilst also creating four new full time jobs for local people. Funding was used to provide display counters, tills, fridges and freezers, computer equipment and a fresh hot drinks machine. The shop markets the farm’s own Romney Marsh lamb, as well as providing a valuable outlet for other local farmers and producers, with the aim of stocking a range of meats, fruit, vegetables, drinks, dairy produce etc, which will reduce local “food miles”. In addition it will provide a community centre, small drinks and refreshments area and public toilet facilities. This will be offered to the Parish Council for their activities, thus promoting social cohesion within the local community, as the village of East Guldeford currently has no shop, pub or village hall. Its prominent location on the A259 junction with the Camber Road, and the inclusion of displays of old farming tools and photographs, and tourist leaflets, will draw tourists to the area.
 

Richard Smith - Timber Extraction
Applicant: Richard Smith Forestry Ltd

This forestry diversification project helped an established forester purchase a good-quality second-hand timber forwarder, enabling him to improve his service of felling and extracting timber through the supply of raw timber for firewood and chipping. He had previously been restricted by both the cost of hiring the equipment and the shortage of equipment to hire. Two jobs have been created by the purchase of the machine, which can also be hired by other forestry contractors seeking to transport timber from woodlands at optimum times to suit both them and the woodfuel suppliers. In many cases, it is woodlands that are currently under-managed that offer the potential for new timber supplies, and encouraging improved management will provide and improve access for the enjoyment of the general public, as well as benefiting wildlife by maintaining a consistent habitat for birds, butterflies etc. 
 

Danehill Memorial Hall Improvements
Applicant: Leonora Messel Memorial Hall

Over the past five years Danehill has lost both village shops and, following the recent closure of the last Post Office, there was a greater need for the Village Hall to provide a focal point within the community. The previous three years had seen a substantial reduction in youth vandalism, corresponding with a doubling of the Hall’s youth group membership. However, without funding, the future of the Hall in general and of the youth group in particular would have been in jeopardy. A new storage area has been provided for equipment, increasing the range of activities that can be provided for the youth group. The Hall’s small meeting room, which was being used for storage, has been restored and renovated and is being used by small groups and to develop new services for the community such as a visiting nurse, vet, internet support etc. Disabled toilet facilities were also installed, for the benefit of all user groups.  The additional income provided will help to secure the Hall’s long-term future.
 

Forest Garden Shovelstrode
Applicant: Forest Garden Shovelstrode Ltd

This project has created a new low impact, sustainable Forest Gardening (Permaculture) business, based on education and tourism. Funding was used to provide WC/shower and kitchen facilities, and to construct a new low–impact timber framed building for equipment and product storage. A yurt and camping facilities provide accommodation for course attendees and tourists, and the existing ancient woodland is being managed and preserved. The courses offered pass on traditional knowledge and skills and demonstrate how a more sustainable existence from the land can be harnessed. These include Permaculture, and woodland crafts such as basket weaving, trug and chair making, bowl carving, hedge laying, pruning and coppicing and even coracle boatbuilding. The business provides an ecotourism destination that attracts more visitors to the Wealden area (also benefiting other local businesses and attractions) and will enhance the biodiversity of the local environment. 
 

Great Oak Walks
Applicant: Great Oak Walks

Great Oak Walks, based in Wadhurst, is a new business set up to offer complete self-guided walking holidays in areas of outstanding natural beauty in rural Wealden and Rother. The package includes airport pick-ups, detailed maps and information, and visits to historic sites. Bed & breakfast accommodation is pre-booked along the route, with arrangements in place to transport luggage between overnight halts. A choice of multi-day walks of different lengths is available, along with the possibility of tailor-made walks. 
 

Court Lodge Farm Holiday Accommodation
Applicants: Court Lodge Farm

Court Lodge Farm is an organic dairy farm, which also markets an organic drinking yogurt across the region. Grant funding has enabled a redundant farm building to be converted to provide the combined benefits of self catering holiday accommodation with much needed storage and office facilities for the yogurt business.  The farm forms part of the Pevensey Levels SSSI and includes an area rented from the Sussex Wildlife Trust, managed as a nature reserve. Staying visitors are able to experience life on a farm at firsthand and encouraged to explore the Pevensey Levels and nearby South Downs. Special farm walks, demonstrating what farming today is really like, will be available all year round to all visitors.
 

Farley Farm House – Wealden Cultural Heritage
Applicant: Farleys Yard Trust

It is not widely appreciated that several leading artists and writers of the 20th century had close associations with Wealden and that, due to a cultural legacy which is internationally recognised, Farley Farm House in Chiddingly is known as ‘The Home of the Surrealists in England’. To widen public enjoyment of this heritage, grant funding has been used to create two touring exhibitions. These will feature the celebrated artists Pablo Picasso and Roland Penrose, whose work contains references to Wealden’s landscape and culture. Following initial showings at the Farleys Yard Barn Gallery, these exhibitions will be taken to venues throughout Wealden and Rother, before being extended across the South-East. The opportunity to discover the artists’ links with Wealden is expected to be of considerable public interest and will provide strong educational benefits for schools and colleges. 
 

Fair Oak Farm Eco-Lodge Tree Houses
Applicant: Fair Oak Farm

Fair Oak Farm, near Mayfield offers luxury activity breaks for families and larger groups. Grant funding has been used to add two eco-lodge tree houses to the site, using sustainable materials to construct bathroom and kitchen facilities around a studio space for living and sleeping. The availability of self catering properties which can cater for larger groups and families is limited in the UK, and the addition of the tree houses has increased this site’s capacity to 19 people. Visitors can cook, eat and relax as a group in the large open plan barn, or take part in on-site activities such as archery and falconry. 
 

Uckfield FM Studio Improvement
Applicant: Uckfield FM

Following the granting of an OFCOM licence to broadcast community radio for surrounding rural area and town of Uckfield, this local radio station urgently needed to bring its facilities up to the standard required for 24/7 broadcasting.  Its new studio, with modern, reliable equipment, will ensure the survival and prosperity of the station, while the existing studio (only ever meant for temporary use), is to be refurbished to provide the second studio essential for training, production and back-up purposes. Broadcasts bring local information to residents, enhancing social and economic cohesion, and providing rural businesses with opportunities for cost-effective advertising. Local volunteers are taught the presentation skills necessary to “go on air”, along with support skills, such as news gathering, copy writing and general IT skills. The station has strong links with the local education college and will work with them in providing more formal training leading to recognized qualifications.
 

Bowles Minibus
Applicant: The Bowles Rocks Trust Ltd

Bowles is an outdoor education centre and charity, supporting young people to access outdoor activities for personal development and to learn new skills. Safe, reliable minibuses are essential for collecting and returning young people, and for ferrying them to the many tourism, heritage or woodland sites used across Sussex and Kent. The provision of an additional second hand minibus is enabling the Trust to meet the demand generated through its work with local schools and youth groups, and to offer more holiday activity courses.  Disadvantaged young people who have shown potential will now be able to make longer journeys to Wales and the Peak District to undertake greater challenges to reach their full potential.
 

AFTA Film & Website
Applicant: Ashdown Forest Tourism Association

AFTA is a membership group of businesses, based on or near the Ashdown Forest, that are associated with tourism ie Places to Stay, Places to Eat and Places to Visit. It is growing rapidly and has over 100 members, ranging from small B&B’s to 5 star hotels, tea rooms to Michelin star restaurants, and a wide range of activities from guided walks to milking cows. Funding has been used to create an up to date website, which is capable of supporting new technology including ‘Apps’ and HD films. A generic HD film of the Ashdown Forest has also been created, which is downloadable from the website. This will provide potential visitors with an overview of the wide range of facilities and activities offered by the members of AFTA.
 

Burwash Community Internet Access Point
Applicant: Burwash Parish Council

The Parish Council, in collaboration with The Bear Inn, has created a public internet access point to help overcome digital exclusion, most notably of the elderly and those on low incomes, in a rural community which continues to experience severe social and economic difficulties. The Bear Inn is hosting the facility, enabling the three computers to be available for public use 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, under the supervision of trained staff. In conjunction with Age UK, training classes will be provided for the elderly, teaching basic computer skills to enable them to use the facility with confidence. Other community groups (notably the Scouts) have expressed interest in using the facility for group communication activities. Local residents will be charged a nominal fee of 20p per visit, with visitors, and services such as printing, copying etc being charged for at standard rates. This income will be used to cover routine maintenance, energy usage and insurance costs.
 

MJ Wood Solutions
Applicant: MJ Wood Solutions Ltd

Continued interest in wood-burning, and the steep growth in sales of wood burning stoves over recent years, has meant that the market for wood fuel continues to increase, with demand outstripping supply in this area. For the past 5 years, this forestry contractor has been cutting firewood by hand to supply logs to customers in Lewes and Wealden Districts. However, despite working 7 days a week, he was unable to keep up with demand. The purchase of a log processor has improved the throughput and profitability of this small business, with the added benefits of improved safety and a reduction in the physical effort required. A contracting service can also now be offered to other small woodland owners, increasing the area of managed woodland in the District.
 

The Calf Shed
Applicant: Bardown Farm Holiday Cottages

There are estimated to be some 750,000 wheelchair users in the UK but, despite market demand for self catering units with access for guests with mobility impairment, there is a national shortage. According to the British Tourist Board’s website “Enjoy England”, there are currently only two cottages in the country that are 5 star rated and have been assessed by the National Accessible Scheme as suitable for wheelchair users. Bardown Farm has utilised grant funding to convert a redundant, stone walled calf shed into a two bedroom quality 5 star Self Catering Cottage, sleeping 4 + 2 people with M3 A/I special needs (assisted or independent wheelchair access). The cottage is suitable for both able bodied and wheelchair users, and includes specialist equipment which will be available if required, but can be stored discreetly away if not. The kitchen will have special adaptations such as a rise and fall worktop containing the sink and ceramic hob, making it suitable for an independent wheelchair user. The level of demand for this new facility became clear when two bookings were made before work had even commenced on the building conversion!
 

Weald Granary
Applicant: Weald Granary Ltd

This farmers’ co-operative in West Kent provides grain drying, storage and marketing services for some 180 farmers spread through Kent, Sussex and Surrey.  Funding has been used to develop the capacity of the store by constructing an additional intake pit and additional drying capacity. This will enable greater throughput and flexibility for all members at harvest time, by speeding up deliveries by tractor and trailer (by which means some 20% of the total tonnage is delivered). It will also allow better segregation of crops, particularly wheat. As the Co-operative serves such a wide area, this project has been delivered as a co-operation project, part funded by four separate Local Action Groups – WARR, West Kent, Kent Downs & Marshes and Surrey Hills.
 

RAPPSE (Rhododendron and Pest Plant Species Elimination)
Applicant: H M Cuddon Forestry

Rhododendrons and other pest plant species have become a real nuisance in many woodland areas, adversely affecting our native species. Following research, which indicated that the most effective and least damaging method of elimination is to remove such shrubs with their roots, this established woodland management business used funding to purchase a small tracked digging vehicle, fitted with a specifically designed grapple tool. Its use minimises the damage caused to sensitive environments by larger vehicles and chemical methods of elimination. The environmental impact of either burning or transporting the offending species can be alleviated by leaving the shrubs upturned in ‘habitat stacks’, after their removal from the soil. Exposing the roots to the atmosphere is an extremely effective way of ensuring species such as rhododendrons do not re-root themselves, and the natural rotting and breakdown processes of the plant materials in turn provide rich and diverse environments for insects and other plant and fungi species to colonise.
 

Etchingham Coalyard
Applicant: De Etchingham CIC

An earlier project saw the successful conversion of the unused station master’s house into a thriving Bistro. However, the lack of short term parking (use of the station car park added £3.50 to every bill), limited its customer base to commuters and passing foot traffic. This has been solved by using additional funding to decontaminate and resurface an overgrown coal yard opposite the building, which had lain disused since the 1950’s. This land now provides 15 car parking spaces, together with glass recycling facilities for the local community. 
 

Old Social Club Refurbishment Phase 2
Applicant: Wadhurst Institute, Hall & Field

The financial collapse of the Social Club, which leased this part of the Hall up until two years ago, left the building in a poor state of repair, and in need of substantial refurbishment before it could again be used to generate an income for the Trust. Phase 1 saw the conversion of part of the building for the provision of a new library for the village, and Phase 2 has used RDPE funding to meet two further needs. Self contained accommodation has been leased to the Wadhurst History Society, providing them with a large working area for research, coupled with a second room, currently used for storage and archives, which will, in time, become a public display area. A further general purpose room, linked by an old staircase to the stage above it, provides much needed changing facilities for the stage productions held in the main hall, along with additional storage facilities for all users.
 

Chris Masters Forestry
Applicant: Chris Masters

This recently established forestry contracting business already offered tree surgery, felling, biomass chipping and fencing services, but required additional equipment to enable it to expand and progress into arboricultural management and consultancy. Forestry machinery purchased with the funding enables access to difficult and sensitive woodland locations, allowing timber to be extracted at optimum times and making the extraction of lower value timber more viable and profitable. Utilising the majority of the waste timber for firewood processing increases the economic value of the woodland, thereby benefiting both contractor and forestry owner.
 

Blackdown Woodfuel
Applicants: D E and B M Gunner

This farm already had an area of managed woodland, but a lack of storage and processing facilities had prevented further development of its forestry activities. Funding has enabled them to build a timber, open-fronted, three-bay barn, surrounded by an area of hard-standing which provides yard space for vehicle movements, outdoor processing and the storage of roundwood. The new barn ensures roundwood can be processed undercover in wet weather, and timber for the growing woodfuel market can be correctly stored and seasoned. Three generations of the same family will benefit from the new facilities, which will greatly improve the farm’s efficiency, and the volume of timber that can be processed on both this and the neighbouring farm.
 

Great Dixter Great Barn
Applicant: The Great Dixter Charitable Trust

This popular visitor attraction held additional buildings of significant historical interest, which could not be made accessible to the public without repair and restoration. Its Grade II listed Great Barn, believed to be the largest surviving medieval barn in this part of East Sussex, contains a wealth of early construction details, including threshing floors, medieval feeding troughs and an 18th century grain store. Attached to it are three 19th century Oast Houses, which have retained their kilns, drying floors and cowls. Funding has meant these buildings can be opened to the public, increasing visitor interest by providing additional all weather facilities and more historical interest. The Barn is used to house displays which illustrate the history of faming at Dixter, and to promote demonstrations and training sessions in rural skills such as woodcraft and forestry.
 

Hurst Green Community Shop & Centre
Applicant: Hurst Green Parish Council

Hurst Green Parish Council acquired an 80 year lease with peppercorn rent, on a small redundant church in the heart of the village. RDPE funding was used to support the first phase of its conversion into a community hub, by enabling the building to be re-roofed and made structurally sound. Once external works had been completed, the lease was taken over by an IPS, set up to complete the building’s transformation into a centre which combines a community shop & post point, youth centre, café facility, with space also available for support services such as the community nurse. Residents were kept in touch at every stage of the plans, and a postal survey, open day and series of public sessions ensured the facility matches the community’s needs. The success of a community share scheme to raise additional funding provided clear evidence of the village’s need and strong support for the project.
 

Swallowtail Hill Eco Tourism
Applicant: Swallowtail Hill Ltd

No longer a working farm, Swallowtail Hill is now managed as a unique area of conservation and, in order to continue their work and secure its future, its owners needed a means of earning a modest income. A small scale eco camping trial proved successful and encouraged them to apply for planning permission to increase the facility to three sites. To add to the existing twin-tented site, funding was used to purchase two individually designed and constructed wheeled shepherd’s huts, one modelled on a woodman’s hut and the other resembling a crooked country cottage. Each site also has a specially designed, log fired eco-shower cubicle and compost loo. All the equipment can be removed and stored over the winter months and the objective was to keep the whole facility ‘light touch’ on the environment.
 

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