ReNature grants are launched for community projects that help wildlife
November 3, 2023
Grants of up to £25,000 can be applied for as part of a new funding initiative to help kickstart habitat creation for wildlife.
ReNature Grants will help projects that showcase positive management for nature in the community. Projects could creating wildflower meadows, heathland, hedgerow, areas managed as chalk grassland, more natural rivers or dewponds.
The grants can also be used to improve existing habitat, such as improving rivers and streams.
Funding of between £2,000 and £25,000 can be applied for from the South Downs Trust, the official independent charity for the National Park.
Sites must be within the National Park boundary and not managed for nature, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Local Authorities, parish councils, community-interest companies, charities, and constituted voluntary groups are invited to apply.
The scheme is part of the National Park’s ReNature campaign, which is seeking to create 13,000 hectares of new habitat – an area over three times the size of Portsmouth – by 2030 to help tackle biodiversity loss in the UK.
Victoria Crespi, Grants Officer for the National Park, said: “We’re really excited to be launching this new grants initiative to bring a boost for wildlife conservation.
“There are lots of organisations out there that might be interested in getting involved in the ReNature campaign and have land that could become a haven for nature. A grant could be the stepping stone to putting those ideas into action and making a real difference. Applications will be judged on their proposed outcomes for biodiversity, value for money and ongoing management of the site, as well as community outcomes. A grant panel will decide on applications over £5,000.”
Applications close at midnight on Friday, 15 December 2023. Find out more and apply here.