A VALUABLE lifeline is being thrown to rural communities through £725,000 worth of grant funding by The Prince’s Countryside Fund.

Pressure on rural communities and people living and working in the countryside continues to mount. Farm businesses are struggling from a major downturn in the price of milk, lamb and cereals; village shops, pubs and services continue to disappear and more support is needed to help younger people into farming and other rural careers.

Organisations and charities that are helping to protect and sustain Britain’s farming and rural communities can apply for much needed funding of up to £50,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which opens online for grant applications on Monday, September 7.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund, supported by Tindle Newspapers, publisher of the Times, celebrated its fifth anniversary in July.

Since its inception in 2010, the charity has given £6 million in grants, distributed to 135 projects across the country, directly benefiting 160,000 people.

Claire Saunders, director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: ‘Rural and farming communities are under immense pressure at the moment.

‘We are looking for projects which will have a long-term positive impact to help sustain our rural areas and encourage enterprise that will help the people who care for our countryside and make it tick.

‘Britain’s environment, security and prosperity depends on our countryside.

‘Three quarters of British land is farmed, and agriculture is central to our landscape.

‘It is crucial that we protect this priceless national asset and provide funding that supports the remarkable people working to create and sustain a vibrant rural economy.’

Projects will be considered on their contribution to one of three key countryside issues — helping rural communities to thrive, developing stronger rural enterprises and promoting the future of farming.

To apply for funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund please complete the online application form at: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk

Applications should be received by 5pm on Thursday, October 8.