Will Davies, former head stonemason at Winchester Cathedral, received a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, to help with the purchase of a dust extractor for his workshop.

Will is involved in a number of outreach programmes aimed at inspiring young people to become the stonemasons of the future.  With the addition of the dust extractor to his workshop, he is now able to invite groups of schoolchildren to watch him work.

   

He said: "Acquiring the Air Bench Dust Extractor has created a safer working environment for myself and for visitors to my Hampshire workshop. I have recently invited local primary schools to take part in clay modeling workshops, to introduce young people to the craft and career of stone masonry. I aim to open these sessions up to introductory stone work, and for older students reaching working age."

 

The proprietors of Farley Farm have converted one of the hangars on their private airfield into an original and popular place to stay for visitors to the area. 

      

As part of the farm's wider mission to become more sustainable, the hangar was awarded a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to support the installation of solar panelling and an EV charging point for guests.

  

Alex Graham, proprietor, said: "The Winchester district Levelling up fund has had a fantastic impact on our tourism business.  As a result of the fund we have had solar panels, with battery storage fitted. We were also granted an EV charging point which is up and running successfully.
The energy generated by the panels and the energy stored in the battery have reduced our grid energy consumption by 50% to date (please note these have been winter and spring months), significantly reducing our carbon impact from the site. The EV charging point has also opened up a new market for us, allowing people with EV’s to visit our remote location and not feel restricted by ‘range’. Feedback has been exceedingly positive and has increased visitor footfall & spend in the region and city centre."

Melanie Legge, a local ceramicist, received a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to purchase a potter's wheel and replace her top-loading kiln with a more ergonomic front-loading one.  

   

Melanie said: “In September 2024, I ran a pottery workshop at HMP Winchester.  The 6 participants enjoyed the session and the prison agreed in principle to allow a regular pottery session to take place once I had the new kiln installed as part of their rehabilitation journey.  The first of the regular Monday afternoon sessions took place on 3 March 2025.  Between 3/3/25 – 31/3/25, 32 prisoners have attended the sessions, creating elephants, slab-built boxes with lids, and coil pots.  It is proving extremely popular with the prisoners and there is a waiting list to join the workshops.    This is run on a voluntary basis by myself, with no funding for materials or firing costs by the prison.  I would not have been able to offer this without the Grant funding the kiln. Here is a sample of what the prisoners have created.” 

  

The sand lizard is one of Britain’s rarest reptiles.  For over 30 years, Marwell has been breeding sand lizards behind the scenes for release, to help re-establish wild populations across the south of England and contribute to the knowledge of the species’ biology. Whilst the main breeding facility will remain off-show to visitors, a new habitat was created for lizards that cannot be released, providing an opportunity for visitors to see sand lizards – something that they are not likely to do in the wild -  and showcase the conservation work Marwell is doing to safeguard their future.  

White-clawed crayfish are an important chalk stream species and the new display tank has been designed to allow visitors to see crayfish up close, with views through to the conservation breeding and rearing tanks.  

Michelle Duma, Head of Fundraising, said: “Marwell has a proud history of native species conservation, and Hampshire’s first white-clawed crayfish breeding centre marks an exciting new chapter. This dedicated space strengthens our role in protecting UK wildlife while offering guests a unique opportunity to explore, engage with, and be inspired by our conservation efforts firsthand.” 

Deputy Mayor of Winchester Sudhakar Achwal opened Marwell Wildlife’s new Native Species Zone in March 2025

Wickham Estate, one of the county’s older vineyards, planted 40 years ago, wished to make a number of improvements to its accessibility and sustainability.  With support from both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, upgrades were made to the visitor accommodation and access track through the vines.

James Davies, Owner, said: “The project funding has enabled the business significantly, we have improved our accommodation both aesthetically and from an energy efficiency perspective through the fitting of new windows and doors making the options more attractive for guests.

The major part of our funding was used to replace/renew the old road at the Vineyard and this work is complete, which now means we can access the Vineyard from a second entrance. This has meant that both from an agricultural perspective for the maintenance of the Vineyard and the land we can get around the site much easier, which has been helpful when planting 5 new acres of vines, and maintaining the remaining 40 acres. More significantly visitors can now benefit from being able to drive all around the vineyard which gives a much improved and wider first impression, which in turn helps us secure bookings for weddings, events and accommodation.”

  

 

Shedfield House Dairy Business Centre, a cluster of ten business units that has proven popular with local female business owners, had space, in its woodland location, to meet a growing demand for expansion.

With support from both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural Prosperity Fund, the business centre was able to build an eleventh unit, compliant with all modern building regulations including disability access.

Simon Cooper, Owner, said: “The new 752ft² office unit has allowed a growing B2B consultancy to relocate to the area allowing it to recruit more staff with a showcase facility at which to meet clients and work.”

   

The Northbrook Arms, a two-hundred-year-old pub in East Stratton, Winchester, benefitted from a Rural England Prosperity Fund grant. It was used to part-fund the installation of two new EV charging points, marking a significant step in the pub’s journey towards sustainability.

The new charging points are available to pub guests and members of the local community.

Kate Shanley, the pub's owner said: “Many EV owners in rural settings face challenges charging at home. By offering a local charging option, we aim to support the growing EV community in our area. This is just one of many ways we are striving to make our business more sustainable.

This project would not have been possible without the support of the council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund. Their investment in rural infrastructure has been instrumental in making this a reality.”

Riversdown House is ‘running on sunshine’ following the installation of solar panels to its Chicken Shed building, a converted barn where students from across the world learn English.

More than  40,000 international academics, government employees and executives across a variety of sectors, from 67 countries, have learned English at the centre.

The Warnford school received an award from the Government’s Rural Shared Prosperity Fund to install solar PV on the learning centre’s roof, to reduce energy costs and become more sustainable.

Dan Smith, responsible for Business Development, said: "Riversdown is proud to have recently installed solar panels to the ‘Chicken Shed’, home to our individual classrooms. These were funded by the UK Government through its Rural Prosperity Fund and awarded by Winchester City Council. Since the installation, the Chicken Shed has been 43% self-sufficient on average. With all the good weather we are having this Summer, our learning centre is running on sunshine and in the future, we should be 100% self-sufficient, with the capacity to sell electricity back to the grid.”

“We are very grateful to Winchester City Council for the opportunity to install the panels and for the support given,” said School Director Alison Lewis.

Rushmere Farm is a large carbon-negative, organic cereal farm located in Hambledon, within the South Downs National Park.

Winchester City council allocated Green Business Grant funding to provide solar panels for the rooftops of agricultural buildings. The solar project has allowed them to increase product volume by 75% while becoming carbon neutral and putting electricity back into the grid.

It is estimated the panels will offset a minimum of 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) over their lifetime.

The farm grows cereals organically and produces an oat-based drink. In addition to farming, the site offers eco-friendly, off-grid stays in cottages, yurts and camping areas.

They also run workshops and events related to sustainability and crafts, educational tours about organic and regenerative farming practices - with a strong emphasis on biodiversity - community engagement and low-impact tourism.

“We are very pleased to have both solar panels and two new refrigeration units installed in the store,” said Micheldever Village Store owner Raj Sangroula.

“The shop gets very hot in the summer, and our old refrigeration unit gave off a lot of heat, and increased temperatures. The new chilled cabinet has changed this and now the solar panels will save electricity too. “ The store is at the centre of Micheldever Village, a convenient space to stock up for locals.

Following a carbon assessment at the store, which recommended measures to increase carbon savings, Raj’s business installed seven solar panels with the help of a grant from Winchester City Council and additional support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Both awards are part of a broader effort by the council to support local businesses and promote sustainability,

 

The purchase of a larger roaster, part funded by a grant from the  Rural England Prosperity Fund, facilitated by Winchester City Council, has enabled River Coffee Roasters' business in Bighton to increase production and grow their team with an additional staff member.

Will Harrigan, Founder and CEO, said: "The project has allowed us to increase our production capacity and identify further sectors for growth. This has given us access to over 700 universities with the potential to supply hot beverage products. Without the funding and increase of capacity, we would not have been able to achieve this.

The funding has supported an extra full time role at River Coffee Roasters, with the new employee learning how to operate the new equipment. It has also supported a part time role, taking our total employee count to six.

Since beginning in 2018, we have grown organically, focusing on creating a positive social and environmental impact while sourcing and roasting high-quality coffees. Our premises and team have grown, and we strive to keep evolving.”

Holden Farm in Cheriton is a working arable farm, situated on the South Downs Way, making it a popular stop for walkers and cyclists.

As well as a dedicated field available for events or rural business retreats, the farm offers an outdoor cafe for visitors in addition to back-to-nature tent camping with modern comforts: hot showers, flushing toilets, washing-up areas, communal fridges/freezers. 

Bad weather had destroyed three tent shelters and a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund was used to replace them with semi-permanent wooden structures that can be moved around the site to encourage more visitors and lengthen the season.   EV and E-bike charging points were included in the project in order to strengthen the farm’s appeal to sustainable travellers.

Owner Rebecca Corbett said: "We are delighted with the field shelters that the prosperity grant enabled us to add to our café at Holden Farm. The café serves environmentally conscious visitors who leave their car behind and walk along the South Downs Way.”

Wonderseekers at Winchester Science Centre, in Chilcomb, received Rural England Prosperity funding to install fencing and native climbing plants between a children’s play area and a public footpath.

The project was the first step in an immersive, accessible and sustainable Habitat Playpark designed for very young children and those with special educational needs and disability (SEND). To ensure the safety of very young and vulnerable visitors, a critical element of the project was the Playpark’s perimeter fence between the Science Centre and the public footpath. As well as preventing children from wandering off and keeping public footpath users at a safe distance, the fence needed to support the free movement of resident species and be sensitive to the overall biodiversity of the site.  

Kate Wasche, Director of Fundraising, said: "We're delighted to have completed the first stage of creating a new science and nature experience for the youngest members of our community. This paves the way for phase two of the project when the Habitat Playpark will be ready for children to enjoy."

Winchester Science Centre, operated by the charity Wonderseekers, welcomes approximately 185,000 visitors annually. 

OHCO, based in Hursley, received an award from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to expand its business by accessing new markets with a climate-conscious vehicle. 

Paul Taylor, Founder and CEO said "This electric tuk tuk will help us to service the local community with our speciality coffee from ethical farms that is manufactured in the most sustainable way from tree to cup."

A grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund enabled this local nursery to construct a balcony to provide the very young children, who are cared for on the first floor, with access to fresh air.  The balcony will also enable faster and safer evacuation in the event of a fire.

Mark Robins, Finance Director, said: "Without the REPF funding, this important improvement to our childcare provision would have stayed on our wish list for another year or two”

An award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund helped Sparsholt College to install three low carbon technology training bays: one for fault finding, the second for installation and maintenance and the third providing a live working environment. All bays are equipped with electric vehicle (EV), photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage training rigs.

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO said: "This project aligns with our strategic priority to provide for a more sustainable future. It has provided the opportunity to add 3 new green technology offers to our Winchester based offer.  The new capital equipment allows us to make battery storage training, installation of electric vehicle charging points and installation of photovoltaic panels to a new generation of learners.  It further allows us to offer those technologies to local businesses and their employees who may be struggling to recruit or train staff to undertake delivery on these three important technologies which all provide towards the decarbonisation ambitions of the region."

An award from the Rural England Prosperity Fund enabled Oakridge Smallholding to invest in a shepherd's hut as part of its diversification plan and to install a solar PV array.

In the six months following installation of the solar panelling, the system avoided the emission of 6 tonnes of CO2

Patrick Foster, Owner, said: "On the whole it’s a very positive outcome for the farm.  It’s making us think about adding another solar/battery system to secondary supply we have on the farm to be much less grid reliant.  The grant has also enabled us to have a much better-quality hut than we would have been able to afford otherwise."

The UKSPF supported a twelve-week football and cricket programme for children from Year 3 to Year 6, culminating in an inter-school tournament at the newly-opened KGV Sports Pavilion.  700 children from ten schools participated, creating a sense of community and encouraging long-term participation in physical activity.  

• 85% of participants reported increased confidence in sports.
• 70% of teachers observed improvements in their children’s teamwork and communication skills.

Calum Drumond, Health Improvement Manager, said: "In addition to skill development, the project played a crucial role in encouraging social cohesion and teamwork. By bringing together children from diverse backgrounds, it encouraged cultural exchange and friendships that extend beyond the activities."

A grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund enabled Bishops Waltham to replace the ageing minibus that provides vital access to social events for many local residents who live in villages that are poorly served by public transport.

Robert Shields, Chairman, said: "The funding has contributed towards a new minibus to replace a 10-year old bus that has become increasingly unreliable and very costly to maintain. The minibus has many scheduled trips linked to lunch clubs, dial-a-ride services and shopping trips, nearly all for the elderly and less able, so its constant availability is very important to the local community. The new minibus gives an assurance that this valuable service is maintained."

Denmead Community Centre received an award from the Rural England Prosperity Fund for solar panelling.  The trustees were anxious to reduce its reliance on imported energy as rising costs were inevitably being passed on to the community groups that hire the centre, threatening the viability of several.

In the first two months following installation, Denmead Community Centre was 80% energy self-sufficient and avoided emitting an estimated 3.5 tonnes of CO2

Bob Porter, Trustee, said: "REPF Funding through Winchester City Council enabled us to install a PV array at the Denmead Community Centre which will not only have environmental benefits but also reduce our costs enabling us to maintain and enhance opportunities and activities for all the residents of Denmead and the surrounding area." 

Easton Village Hall received an award from the Rural England Prosperity Fund for solar panelling.

In the first six months following their installation, the 45 solar panels generated 72% of the electricity used by the Hall. 53% of the electricity generated was exported to the Grid - equating to income for the Hall of £814 

Dr John Smith, on behalf of the Village Hall, said: "Fitting the solar panels to the roof of Easton Village Hall, funded by the REPF via Winchester City Council, has been a transformational local project which we hope will inspire others locally to consider similar sustainable projects"

A grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund contributed to the installation of a ground source heat pump for Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall.

Cllr Christopher Langford said: "The project has enabled us to replace our old gas boilers with an open loop Ground Source Heat Pump. This will:

1. Enable us to keep our hire rates affordable for hirers
2. Reduce our carbon footprint significantly
3. Mean we can share our experience of the installation and running costs with the wider public"

A grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund allowed Sutton Scotney Parish Council to install a solar PV array on the roof of Victoria Hall.

The photograph shows the completed installation being admired by Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, Alistair Black, Chairman of Sutton Scotney Parish Council, and representatives of WinAcc who advised on the system.

Sue Neilson, Parish Clerk, said: "The project has enabled us to install 30 solar panels on the rear elevation of our hall. We are proud that this 127 year old building is playing a part in tackling the climate emergency. We have been able to demonstrate to the community that despite the age, a building can adapt to offset electricity costs and reduce CO2 emissions.   We are optimistic that there should be a 40% saving on our [electricity] consumption."

Nunnaminster,  later known as St Mary's Abbey, is located in the heart of Winchester city centre beside Abbey House and Gardens.  

An award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund was used to replace the original mounted interpretation panels with freestanding panels at a lower level, offering better accessibility. The new panels include raised detailing and Braille to assist those with sight loss and a QR code which links to a screen-reader friendly version of the text, a glossary of terms and links to further reading.

Emalene Hickman, Culture & Creative Sector Development Officer, said: "Thanks to UKSPF funding we were able to install new interpretation panels at the Nunnaminster site, restoring a piece of Winchester’s history. The new, more accessible panels will ensure that visitors and residents alike will have a new appreciation for the significance of the site and its place in our city’s story."

A local guide said: "Just a quick note to say how brilliant the new information boards are! I tried very hard to read the last boards but they were very weathered. The new boards are fascinating, full of things I didn’t know, and I took a group there last week and they thought they were great! I am a Winchester guide and I will take groups there all the time now!”

An award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund contributed to the cost of interim improvements to a central area of Winchester City that had fallen into disuse.

Eleanor Driscoll, Project Manager, said: "Friarsgate Park is a new vibrant temporary outdoor space created on the site of the former Friarsgate Medical Centre. The new space includes seating areas, a platform for arts and cultural activities, soft landscaping with wildflowers, and improved views of the River Itchen. Alongside the improvement works at Kings Walk, Friarsgate Park is one of several meanwhile initiatives being introduced as part of the first phase of Central Winchester’s Regeneration, as designs for the entire site are developed. It serves as a new outside community space as well as enhancing connectivity and biodiversity."

An award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund supported an upgrade to the previous tarmac path network on the Devil's island section of the site.  This ensures that the path, located in a floodplain, will drain wherever possible towards the River Itchen and is fully accessible to all users.  

Katie Morgans, Principal Landscape Architect, said: "The project to overlay the tarmac path has meant the surface has been improved for access by all and has tried to address future flooding issues by allowing it to drain more effectively during a flood.  The project has also introduced areas of biodiversity which will act as flood mitigation by providing the lost flood storage within the existing floodplain." 

The photograph shows a stretch of the resurfaced path following completion of the works designed to improve drainage and prevent flooding.

An award from the Rural England Prosperity Fund paid for the foundations and earthworks for a new all-weather scout hut, the fabricated body of which was financed by private donation.  

James Fraser, Treasurer, said: "The construction of the Activity Barn will enable activities to be carried out all year round and not have to be cancelled due to inclement weather or low light.  In the past activities have had to be cancelled or curtailed due to the weather."

An award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has enabled visitors to enjoy the walks up St Giles Hill once again.

The existing wooden retaining wall was rotten and the bank was in danger of slippage or a landslide that could block a main access path on the hill. The fund was used to replace the wooden wall with a gabion wall of 40 lin.m, filled with limestone, topped with netting and then topsoil. 

Coral Rogers, Recreation and Projects Officer, said: "Shoring up the bank with gabions has opened up the path, allowing better access to residents, the wider Winchester town and the many visitors who visit St Giles Hill. It has also opened up the bank for native planting, benefiting biodiversity on the Hill."

Sustrans, the sustainable transport organisation, now known as Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, received a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund towards the development of new walking routes around Winchester.

Anna Herron, Sustainable Travel Officer, Sustrans South, said:"This project has enabled us to develop and run 24 new health walks, across 5 different routes, with 42 participants taking part in at least one health walk.  Participants were asked to complete a short feedback survey at the end of the walks and the common themes in these surveys show that this project has benefitted the local community by giving walk participants an opportunity to:

• Meet new people and socialise (20 comments),
• Exercise outdoors and spend time in nature (15 comments),
• Relax, find peace and feel positive (8 comments),
• Learn about their local area (8 comments),
• Visit new places / places they would not visit alone (6 comments)."