Deadline approaches for Nature Restoration Fund applications

The Highland Council is reminding communities that the deadline to register interest and be in with a chance to receive a share of new fund to support nature restoration projects is approaching.

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. 

The Highland Council has been allocated £200,000 towards capital projects that meet the fund’s criteria.

To be eligible projects must;

• deliver positive effects for biodiversity and enhance local ecosystems;

and/or

• address the climate emergency and its impacts through mitigation and adaptation and by promoting nature-based solutions

The minimum grant support available is £2,500 and the maximum is £20,000.

Applications are welcomed from constituted community groups; local authorities or other public sector bodies; charities; voluntary and social enterprises; co-operatives and community ownership initiative; development trusts.

Chair of the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson is encouraging any groups who are considering applying to make sure they do not miss the deadline. She said: “We are operating a two-stage process for people to apply to this new Nature Restoration fund. The first stage is for anyone interested to make sure they submit their expression of interest along with outline information on key facts and figures about their project by 12pm on Friday 26 November 2021.” 

All entries who pass the initial assessment will then be invited to submit a full application including supporting documentation no later than 12pm Friday 14 January 2022. 

For full information and further guidance please visit –www.highland.gov.uk/naturerestorationfund