Sources of funding for environmental projects

Listed below are several examples of possible funding options for projects with Biodiversity in mind. Click here to download a comprehensive table detailing awarding bodies, sums available, eligibility and useful links. This is updated every six months and describes both national schemes and more local schemes which may be suitable.

Woodland Grants
For grants on land which includes woodland, particularly planting and managing woodland, you should contact the Forestry Commission. The English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) is available on the Isle of Wight and is the Forestry Commission's suite of grants which replaces the popular Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS). This is a very popular and successful grant particularly on the Isle of Wight.

Nature Conservation
If you own or manage a SSSI you may be eligible to apply for a grant from Natural England to assist with conservation and management of the site. English Nature do not normally provide funding for sites which are not SSSIs.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
If your site is within the AONB you may be eligible for a grant from the AONB partnership. The partnership gives small grants for certain types of project, which vary from year to year. Enquire of them to see whether you are eligible and what their present funding streams are, and perhaps you may get some ideas for your project.

Agricultural Land
If you farm agricultural land you may be eligible for types of funding from DEFRA. This is known as the Environmental Stewardship and includes what was formerly the Countryside Stewardship scheme. You may need some advice and help if you are going to explore this option, as it can be quite complicated. however it is well worth it as it does provide one of the best and most reliable sources of funding for farmers - for example the basic entry level scheme is guaranteed acceptance if you are eligible. To give farmers more information about other funding and advice the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership with the Leader + scheme has produced a ‘Farm Fact File’. The Farm Fact File points farmers in the direction of advice, information and funding sources currently available to help them to continue to earn a living and look after our beautiful Island.

Community projects and other funds
Biffaward give grants on the Isle of Wight for projects that enable communities to improve local amenities and to conserve wildlife and habitats, in addition it supports projects that increase or maintain Biodiversity.

The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society (RIWAS) has bursary funds available for agricultural training for those in full-time further education.

Isle of Wight Rural Community Council provides support to individuals and community groups, including funding information.

The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society distributes funds from the Frazer Bequest for assistance in carrying out projects on the Isle of Wight of natural history, geological or archaeological interest. Please enquire of The Secretary, IWNHAS, Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Rd, Ventnor, IW PO38 1EJ.

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