Grants of up to £2 million each
are now available to help the nation build back greener from the
coronavirus pandemic, the government announced
today [Tuesday 9
March].
The second round of the Green
Recovery Challenge fund will award up to £40
million in grants to environmental charities and their partners
across England to create and retain jobs while restoring nature
and tackling climate change.
All projects must contribute to at least one
of the following themes of the Green Recovery Challenge
Fund:
- nature conservation and restoration;
- nature-based solutions, particularly focused on climate
change mitigation and adaptation; and,
- connecting people with nature.
Almost £40 million was awarded in November in
the first round to 68 projects that will help to restore damaged
habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests – which will see
over 800,000 trees planted. The projects will also support
conservation work and help to improve education about the
environment.
Environment Minister said:
“I am delighted to launch the second round of
the Green Recovery Challenge Fund to help kick-start more
projects to restore nature, tackle climate change, and create and
retain thousands of jobs as society comes together for our
planet. This is more important than ever as we build back greener
from the coronavirus pandemic.
“In the first round, we awarded grants across
a broad variety of environmental projects, ranging from planting
trees, and restoring peatlands to connecting people with green
spaces, forests and protected landscapes. I encourage more
organisations to apply so we can continue to make a real
difference.”
The fund will be delivered by the National
Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the
Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency.
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive,
National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Defra
once again to ensure that the nature and environment sector
receives this further support from the Green Recovery Challenge
Fund. It is vital that we build a pipeline of green projects that
protect and enhance our beautiful countryside and wildlife,
create jobs, and positively impact on our wellbeing.”
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper
said:
“The launch of the second round of the Green
Recovery Challenge Fund is another step towards improving our
wonderful landscapes and habitats upon which we all
depend.
“We are beginning to see the tangible benefits
this fund can deliver. It is opening the doors to careers in
Nature recovery and helping to encourage a flourishing
environment. Natural England has been working behind the scenes
with Defra and the NLHF to prepare for today’s launch and we look
forward to seeing even more inspiring projects come forward that
continue this ambition.”
Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the
Environment Agency, said:
“The pandemic has exposed a great hunger for
green spaces as both sanctuary and escape. This fund is an
opportunity for environmental groups to support jobs that restore
nature and prepare for climate shocks like floods and heatwaves.
As the country moves out of lockdown, fostering skills in the
economy that improve the environment will help the UK build back
better, faster and greener.”
For grants of over £250,000, applicants must
submit an expression of interest by 22 March and if successful
will be invited to submit a full application. The deadline for
applications under £250,000 is 14 April.
The government’s flagship Environment Bill puts the environment
at the centre of policy making to ensure that we have a cleaner,
greener and more resilient country for the next
generation.
