A new fund to support Nature Recovery environmental projects, the
first of its kind, across Northern Ireland has been launched by
Environment Minister .
Councils and voluntary organisations can now apply for the Nature
Recovery Challenge Fund Competition 2025/26 – 2027/28 which will
offer a minimum grant award of £50,000.
This Challenge Fund grant competition is primarily CAPITAL
funding for projects to deliver the key theme of Nature Recovery
including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks and
30x30 Projects. Projects which support the conservation of Lough
Neagh are particularly welcome to apply.
The maximum amount of Government funding available under the
competition will be 80% of eligible project costs.
Launching the opening of the competition, Minister Muir said:
“This funding is a great opportunity to support the work
of local organisations who are passionate about improving the
environment and delivering practical actions that will promote
nature recovery. I am delighted to announce the opening of this
competition fund which provides a great opportunity to support
local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help deliver
key environmental outcomes outlined in Northern Ireland's
Environmental Improvement Plan and the Lough Neagh Action
Plan.
“This funding will support projects that will
significantly contribute towards our commitments to protect 30%
of land and sea for nature by 2030. Projects will increase the
area of wildlife habitat; protect and improve management of
habitats, and create ‘nature networks' which will enhance habitat
connectivity and support higher species populations or greater
species diversity.”
Further information, including eligibility, guidance notes
and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the
DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 - 2028 |
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(daera-ni.gov.uk).The closing date for applications is noon
on 7 March 2025.
Notes to editors:
- The minimum and maximum grant awards of this fund are: the
minimum grant is £50,000; there is no maximum grant however this
is a competitive competition. The maximum amount of DAERA funding
available under the competition will be 80% of eligible project
costs except in exceptional or compelling circumstances.
- Applications can be submitted up until noon on 7 March
2025.
