APPLICATIONS for the latest round of The Prince's Countryside Fund grants can be made from September 7.

The fund is making £725,000 available to support 'inspiring rural initiatives'.

Organisations and charities that are helping to protect and sustain Britain’s farming and rural communities can apply for up to £50,000 from the fund. The deadline for applications is October 8.

Fund director Claire Saunders 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."

Online application forms can be completed at www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk.

Meanwhile, the Prince's Dairy Initiative is looking to help the long-term sustainability of the milk producing sector and traditional family dairy farms in north-west Cumbria can take part.

The project offers free practical workshops that cover financial management, herd heath, nutrition and soil management.

Up to 20 dairy farmers, who want to increase the viability and efficiency of their business, are being sought. Participation is free and eligible farmers should have a dairy herd of fewer than 200 cows, supply their milk on a standard contract and not already be active participants in discussion groups and workshops.

An introductory meeting will be held at the Melbreak Hotel Workington on Septembder 22 at 7pm.

To reserve a place or for more details contact: Hannah Tait on 07990 778149 Hannah.Tait@ahdb.org.uk