Two grant programmes – Nature Networks Fund and Local Places for Nature – are open for applications from communities and organisations in Wales.
Nature Networks Fund (round three)
The aim of the Nature Networks Fund is to improve the condition and resilience of Wales’ network of protected land and marine sites, building capacity to strengthen and upscale future delivery for nature, and actively encouraging community engagement. It is a key element of the delivery of the Welsh Government’s wider Nature Networks Programme.
Improving the condition of and connectivity between protected sites enables them to function better as nature networks. Nature networks are vital, resilient areas where habitats and species can thrive and expand. Restoring connectivity in these networks will:
- prevent further declines in species and habitat condition
- support nature recovery
- enhance capacity to adapt to the climate crisis
The protection of sites is reliant on strong organisations, good governance and robust project planning. Therefore, the Nature Networks Fund will also support project development and capacity building for future nature recovery projects. This work may include (but is not restricted to):
- partnership development
- landowner/community consultation and engagement
- ecological surveying
- feasibility studies
- scheme design
- other preparatory work for future capital projects
Capacity building can help project developers and partners to demonstrate outcomes, create robust business models that have the potential to attract investment and provide an evidence base to facilitate the uptake and innovation of new approaches.
This fund also supports the active involvement of communities in and around protected sites. This can be fundamental to the long-term success of nature recovery projects, as well as often having wider benefits for health and wellbeing for people.
The application deadline is 12 noon on 23 November 2023.
More information and how to apply can be found online.
Local Places for Nature Capital Fund
This grant scheme is intended to enable communities in Wales to restore and enhance nature.
It is intended to enable areas of highest deprivation, peri-urban/urban communities, and/or those with least access to nature in Wales to restore and enhance nature ‘on your doorstep’. Certain types of project can be funded anywhere in Wales.
This funding is primarily for:
- projects located or servicing the needs of communities in the 50% most deprived areas OR
- community food growing projects anywhere in Wales OR
- organisations/groups representing a diverse ethnic community from any part of Wales
If the project area falls within the 50% LEAST deprived of areas, you may still be able to apply for funding. Particularly, if your project will increase the involvement of a wider range of people in natural heritage, and/or if those affected by the project have a specific need.
Two levels of grant are available:
- £10,000 to £100,000 for capital projects that will acquire, restore and enhance nature in areas of deprivation
- £100,000 to £250,000. A limited number of grants up to £250,000 are available, with particular interest in projects located in or near one of the 50% most deprived communities or if you are engaging with a specific need. More details about eligibility can be found online.
The application deadline is 12 noon on 12 December 2023. More information and how to apply can be found online.