Community groups across villages in the Southern Rural area of North Herts are set to benefit from more than £4,600 in grant funding to support local activities, facilities and wellbeing projects.

A total of £4,642 has been awarded following recommendations from the Southern Rural Community Forum meeting on 5 March 2026, with the funding approved by North Herts Council's Executive Member for Governance, Cllr Daniel Allen.

Among the groups receiving funding are two Scout groups linked to Hitchin. The 1st Ickleford and 9th Hitchin Scout Group has been awarded £1,500 to help cover weekly venue hire at Ickleford Village Hall. The funding will allow the group to meet growing demand and introduce a new "Squirrels" section for younger children, with sessions supporting up to 100 local young people to develop practical skills, confidence and teamwork.

Meanwhile, 15th Hitchin Scouting has received £500 to fund a term of venue hire at Pirton Recreation Ground. The volunteer-led group runs weekly Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Squirrels sessions for around 90 children, offering outdoor learning, camping opportunities and activities aimed at building resilience and community involvement.

Elsewhere, Baldock Junior Badminton Club has been awarded £730 to launch a new 12-week gentle badminton programme for older adults in Whitwell. The sessions are designed to reduce isolation and encourage physical activity and confidence, and will be free to attend during the funded period.

Pirton Tennis Club will receive £600 to install permanent pickleball court line markings on the village Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), making it easier for residents to play and supporting the growth of the increasingly popular sport.

Finally, St Ippolyts Bowls Club has been awarded £1,312 for specialist equipment to improve the bowling green surface, benefiting around 30 local residents who use the club as a sporting and social hub.

Cllr Daniel Allen said: "I'm really pleased we're able to support these fantastic local projects. These grants help strengthen community spirit — whether that's giving young people new opportunities, helping older residents stay active, or improving much-loved village facilities. These groups do so much for their communities, and it's great to be able to help them continue that work."

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Community groups interested in applying for future grants can find out more at the North Herts Council website.