COMMUNITY projects in the Forest have been awarded thousands of pounds in grants by West Dean Parish Council for their “time, commitment and enthusiasm” to serving local people and the environment.

At a meeting last Wednesday (May 25), the parish council distributed its Spring Community Grant Awards to eight local organisations for carrying out projects for the benefit of the parish and its residents.

Local organisations that provide a service, enhance quality of life, improve recreation and the environment had the opportunity to apply for financial support through the scheme.

A spokesperson for West Dean said of the awards: “The Council were impressed with the work that the groups were undertaking and were especially interested in the time, commitment, and enthusiasm that some groups demonstrated in their fundraising efforts to support their projects, which shone through in their grant applications.”

A £1,000 grant was given to Berry Hill Over 60s Club to assist with providing activities for the elderly.

Pillowell Memorial Recreation Ground received £1,250 for the installation of benches and picnic tables.

Sling Football Club were awarded £2,500 to assist in providing boar proof fencing for the ground, which is also used by the Friends of Scarr Bandstand.

Sling in Bloom were given £500 to provide planters and hanging baskets to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Sling Playing Field Association received £1,500 to assist in the removal of bamboo from the playground and to help with fencing.

Yorkley Playgroup were awarded £1,500 to assist in development of their outdoor classroom.

An award of £2,703.29 was made to Parkend Community Growing to assist in the fencing of the community growing area and orchard to prevent boar access.

Yorkley Village Garden received £2,700 for fencing to prevent deer and boar getting in.

The next round of the council’s community grants will be available in the autumn.