Natural Networks funding increased to encourage more wildlife-rich habitats

Natural Networks grants, available for projects which aim to create or restore wildlife-rich habitats, have been increased to cover 70% of the total project cost.

Over 200 organisations have already received support and advice from the Natural Networks programme, since it launched nearly five years ago, with grants of £1000 - £15000 still available to help even more organisations access the support they need.

To date, £700,000 (including from the previous European Regional Development Fund Programme) has been given out to projects to help improve biodiversity, with funding still available before the completion of the project on 31^st March 2025.

Councillor Richard Morris, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The funding available as part of this programme has already gone a long way to helping organisations make improvements to the county’s biodiversity.

“There’s still some funding available to be accessed over the next few months and what’s even better, you can now get more even more of a contribution towards the total cost of the works.

“No matter how big or small your project, get in touch, the team is keen to work with you and help you apply for a grant.”

Two bat boxes installed on a tree — Bat boxes by Becca Bratt

Natural Networks is a grant programme offering advice and funding to projects which aim to create and restore habitats for wildlife.

Worcestershire County Council together with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust are working with communities and landowners to conserve and restore Worcestershire's natural environment so that everyone can appreciate and enjoy our county's rich natural landscape.

The Natural Networks team are on hand to help you every step of the process, from writing specifications and sourcing quotes, to creating management plans and filling out the application form and appendices.

The team will be able to discuss potential plans and make recommendations on how best to both maintain and improve the site, taking the project forward. Recommendations can include wetland creation, meadow creation, and orchard planting.

So far, the programme has enabled over 71,000 bulbs to be planted, nearly 26,000 trees to be planted, over 4km of hedges have been established, 50 ponds created and over 600 bird/bat boxes have been installed.

Public or voluntary sector organisations will be required to match fund at least 30% of the project, with businesses needing to match fund at least 50% of the total cost of the project.

Natural Networks is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Forestry Commission and is delivered in partnership between Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.