EXMOOR'S Sustainable Development Fund is once again open for business with 11 new proposals competing for a share of a £180,000 cash pot at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

The independent grant advisory panel will meet with applicants at Withypool Village Hall to choose projects that show innovation in addressing sustainable development within and around Exmoor National Park.

Projects range from renewable energy installations and a strategy for making Exmoor National Park carbon neutral by 2016, to assessing the genetics of salmon in the River Exe to support for the production and supply of local food.

Other applications cover community events and facilities as well as ecological research and education.

The fund is administered by the Exmoor National Park Authority with funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Phil Cookson, sustainability and economy manager said: "Since reopening for applications we have been inundated with expressions of interest and applications, totalling over £627,000.

"In the past five years more than £1.1m has been spent improving Exmoor and people's knowledge and pleasure and I wish these new projects the same successes."

Dan James, the authority's new sustainable economy officer, said: "This is great news for Exmoor and reflects the pro-active nature of communities within and around the Park in working towards a sustainable future for Exmoor.

"It also means that the Panel members will have much debate when advising the National Park Authority on prioritising the limited funds."

For more information contact Dan James on 01398-322234 email DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or click on the link below.