At what it describes as a time of great uncertainty for farming and rural communities, The Prince’s Countryside Fund has opened for grant applications.

With grants of up to £50,000 available per project totalling over £600,000, rural organisations and communities are being encouraged by the Fund to consider applying for funding to support their countryside projects.

Set up by The Prince of Wales in 2010, the charity has now awarded grants to more than 200 projects across the UK totally worth over £8 million.

The grant programme tackles a wide range of rural issues including support and business advice for traditional farming families, career support and training opportunities for young people and support for communities to run vital community services.

This year, applications are being particularly welcomed from community shops, pubs and innovative projects intended to alleviate rural isolation.

All applicants need to complete an online form which can be accessed via our www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is April 13.