Rural Regeneration Fund Launches in the Moorlands
- May 5
- 2 min read
Community and voluntary organisations, and parish councils, are being invited to apply for funding to support practical projects that make rural areas more attractive, accessible and welcoming.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s new Rural Regeneration Fund will help pay for small community-led projects that improve the experience of visitors and enhance the quality of life for residents such as:
Improvements to public information boards, interpretation panels, and signage
Enhancing wayfinding, local trail maps, or visitor interpretation
Creating or promoting local walking and cycling trails
Improving accessibility in high streets, community spaces, or visitor locations
Small environmental tidy-ups or enhancements of public green areas
Free to access arts, creative, or heritage events and activities
Editor's Tip: If you have a community group and would like to take on a piece of land or something that SMDC are currently custodians of, it's worth taking a look at the asset list The Missing Assets List alongside the Community Asset Transfer Policy to see if there is opportunity for your group.
Councillor Darren Price, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “We’re delighted to make this funding available in the more rural areas of the Moorlands to ensure that some of our smaller villages get the investment they deserve.
“It’s about making a real, visible difference that, whilst attracting visitors, delivers benefits for our residents that they can be proud of..”
Grants of £500 to £3,000 per application are available and applications will be accepted in two rounds – the first runs from now until August and the second will be open from September to December. All projects that receive funding must be completed by the end of March 2027.
Cabinet member for Tourism and Leisure, Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our rural communities to turn their plans and ideas into reality.
“The fund covers a broad range of activities – from physical improvements to events and activities – so there’s plenty of scope for people to get creative. Our team are on hand to help with applications, or to chat through your ideas, so get in touch and let’s put this funding to work!”
For more information or to discuss your ideas, email the team at regeneration@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk and apply online via the website.
Rural Regeneration Fund Launches in the Moorlands created 5th May 2026
