AN area of outstanding natural beauty is to reap the rewards of a £16,000 grant to enhance and conserve its cherished landscape.

The Dedham Vale AONB, which covers rolling countryside in the Stour Valley, will receive a sum of the funding, having been designated a protected landscape in 1970.

With the money now available, the AONB is seeking applications from projects that are innovative, socially inclusive, sustainable, benefit the public and involve partnership working.

The grants provide an opportunity to make a difference in the community, and are available to a variety of conservation organisations, community groups or individuals who are undertaking projects which support the conservation and enhancement of the area.

In Dedham Vale, both the Sustainable Development Fund and Stour Valley Environment Fund are now open.

Organisers have said whether you have a project which works in heritage, media, conservation, learning, health, accessibility, and diversity, to give but a few examples, all applications are welcomed.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, September 28. To find out more, visit www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org.