The Mendip Hills Fund panel has decided that due to a significant lack of contributions this year the scheme should not open for applications until autumn 2021.

The fund is a community scheme set up to conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills. In 2019 it distributed £12,000 to local projects.

Contributions to the fund come from a variety of visitor-giving schemes such as events, donations from accommodation providers, badge donations donations, etc.

Understandably all of these have been affected by the coronavirus this year. The panel would like to express their thanks to all the businesses and event organisers for their ongoing support and wish them every success during this difficult time.

Groups with existing grants will have an extension on their project completion date as they too will have been affected. They will be contacted directly.

The partners behind the fund, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit and Somerset Community Foundation will continue to work hard to support the fund and promote other sources of grants.