Natural Networks Programme

Bluebells in the Worcester Woods at the Countryside Centre

Natural Networks Programme

The Natural Networks Programme is a Worcestershire-wide scheme offering grants and advice to projects which aim to create or restore wildlife-rich habitats.
Natural networks and European Union logos

The Natural Networks Programme is a Worcestershire-wide scheme offering grants and advice to projects which aim to create or restore wildlife-rich habitats.

The Natural Networks programme is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The programme offers free professional Biodiversity surveys carried out by our partners the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust who will assess your project site and make recommendations on how to create or enhance your land to maximise habitats for wildlife.

Grants of £2,000 - £200,000 (representing 45% of the total project cost) will be available to help you carry out the recommendations suggested in the survey.

The programme aim is to create a natural network of wildlife-rich habitats across Worcestershire that will enhance the quality of our blue and green infrastructure.

As of the 30 November 2022, the Natural Networks Programme will not be accepting new applications.

About the programme

A great start for the Natural Networks project

Natural Networks provides funds to all sorts of bodies

Natural Networks isn’t just about big spaces

Eligibility

  • projects sites need to have free and ongoing public access or applicants must be willing to offer permissive access for the lifetime of the project.
  • the programme is aimed at small and medium businesses, parish councils, charities, voluntary groups and public bodies.
  • you must be a recognised legal entity.
  • grants are aimed at land/projects that are ineligible for the Countryside Stewardship award.
  • project sites will be considered on land or water.
  • total project costs must be a minimum of £4,500

Process

  • applicants need to request a registration form from the programme team and submit a copy by email as well as a signed hard copy to assess the eligibility of your organisation and your project idea.
  • if the eligibility is passed Worcestershire Wildlife Trust will then visit your site(s) to carry out a Biodiversity Enhancement Assessment report (BEA). The BEA will evaluate the existing biodiversity value and recommend ways to enhance it.
  • if you are successful you will be invited to submit a full application to apply for up to 45% of your total project costs.
  • your project will be presented to an appraisal panel, who will decide whether to award a Natural Networks grant to your project. Appraisal meetings are held at multiple times during the year. 

How to apply?

We are here to guide you through the process and are happy to talk things through with you in person and/or on the phone.

Give us a call to discuss your idea and get an application form:

Programme Manager - Don Gembeckas
Email: dgembeckas@worcestershire.gov.uk

Programme Assistant - Lucy Mayo
Email: lmayo@worcestershire.gov.uk

Case studies

Churchill Brook, Redditch

Burlish Golf Course, Burlish

How is this project funded?

The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014 to 2020. For more information visit the European Growth Funding website

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