Ashdown Forest Trust
Could Ashdown Forest Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £29,000 – £65,000
- Applications
- Existing partners only
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Ashdown Forest Trust
The Ashdown Forest Trust, established in 1988, is a stewardship funder focused entirely on the preservation of Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. With East Sussex County Council as its sole trustee, the Trust is dedicated to safeguarding the Forest's unique landscape, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. This area is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds, and a Special Area of Conservation. The Trust's mission balances conservation of rare heathland habitats and wildlife with promoting public amenity, enjoyment, education, health, and recreation. It channels resources exclusively to support the statutory conservation priorities of the Forest, maintaining a focused, closed-loop approach.
What Ashdown Forest Trust funds
The Trust funds environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, cultural heritage preservation, and community well-being through public engagement. Specific activities supported include woodland management, conservation grazing, invasive species control, habitat restoration, visitor management, educational programs, and infrastructure for open access. Beneficiaries are the general public and visitors to Ashdown Forest, the largest open public space in South East England. Grants cover project costs, core operations, capital improvements, and program delivery tied directly to these activities.
Who can apply
Funding from the Ashdown Forest Trust is restricted exclusively to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, the statutory body managing the site since 1885. No other organisations, charities, or groups qualify for support, regardless of size or purpose. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications from external entities. Beneficiaries of the funded work are the general public and visitors to the Forest, but eligibility for grants is limited solely to the Conservators.
What Ashdown Forest Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not support broader projects beyond the statutory conservation priorities for Ashdown Forest, nor does it provide unrestricted funding to any entity. It does not fund external organisations outside the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. Unsolicited applications from any other groups or charities are not accepted.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates as a stewardship funder, channeling resources exclusively to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest to underwrite statutory conservation activities. It does not accept unsolicited applications and maintains a closed-loop approach, funding only existing partners. Grants support project costs, core operations, capital improvements, and program delivery tied directly to the Forest's conservation and public amenity priorities.
How much does Ashdown Forest Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Ashdown Forest Trust
Ashdown Forest Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically once per year.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Ashdown Forest Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Ashdown Forest Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Ashdown Forest Trust provide?
Ashdown Forest Trust typically provides grants of £29,000 - £65,000.
Where does Ashdown Forest Trust fund charities?
Ashdown Forest Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Ashdown Forest Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Ashdown Forest Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Ashdown Forest Trust?
Ashdown Forest Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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