Deadline for Nature Restoration Fund extended – groups can apply to Highland Council for grants of up to £25k

There is still time for community groups to apply to the Nature Restoration Fund after Highland Council extended the deadline to this Friday.

Established by the Scottish Government, the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is a capital fund designed to help support projects that will deliver nature restoration, safeguard wildlife, and tackle the causes of biodiversity loss due to climate change.

Cllr Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s environment and infrastructure committee, said: “Eligible applicants throughout Highland can apply for up to £25,000 towards nature restoration projects. Last year, 27 community groups and organisations were successful in securing funding to deliver projects ranging from the creation of wildflower meadows, tree planting initiatives, wetland creation and removal of invasive non-native species.”

He added: “We have extended the deadline to September 9 to ensure that as many applicants come forward with their project ideas. The expression of interest stage is only a two-page document which asks for a brief description of the project and an outline of the costs the funding is to be applied for.”

This year, there is an increased focus on outcomes which address the main drivers of the decline in biodiversity on land and seas, particularly rural biodiversity.

All projects should be ready to start before the end of March 2023 and be completed by the end of June 2023.

The minimum grant support available is £2000 and the maximum is £25,000.

For more information see www.highland.gov.uk/naturerestorationfund

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