Environment & Conservation Grants UK

Research Infrastructure Renewal

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

NERC is offering capital funding to renew and upgrade environmental science infrastructure. You can apply for between £300,000 and £1,000,000. The funding covers existing facilities, laboratories, and national capabilities. These must already be open and available to the wider environmental science community. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2026.

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

NERC is offering proof-of-concept funding for autonomous technology in environmental science. You can apply to develop or deploy innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric research. You can also apply for autonomous aerial systems used in environmental science. Funding goes up to £4,000,000 per project. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding.

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds proof-of-concept projects in atmospheric science and autonomous aerial systems. You can use it to develop and deploy innovative autonomous solutions for environmental science research. Funding ranges from £300,000 to £1,000,000 per project. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2026.

Dunbeg Community Benefit Fund

Community Foundation Northern Ireland

This fund supports community projects near the Dunbeg Wind Farm, between Limavady and Coleraine in Northern Ireland. Grants are available up to £6,000. Priority areas include community cohesion, energy efficiency, sport and culture, training, and environmental projects. You must be a community or voluntary organisation within 6 miles of the wind farm site. The deadline to apply is 22 October 2026.

Dunmore Community Benefit Fund

Community Foundation Northern Ireland

This fund supports local community projects near Dunmore Wind Farm in Northern Ireland. You can apply for grants up to £2,500. Projects must benefit the local community within 10 miles of the wind farm. Eligible activities include community cohesion, energy efficiency, sport and culture, training, education, and environmental projects. Your organisation must be based within that 10-mile radius to apply. The deadline to apply is 22 October 2026.

Corby Knowe Community Benefit Fund

Community Foundation Northern Ireland

This fund supports local community projects near the Corby Knowe wind farm in Kells, County Antrim. You can apply for grants of up to £2,500. Priority areas include tackling rural isolation, children and youth activities, community cohesion, improving community spaces, environmental conservation, and volunteer development. Your organisation must be within 5km of the wind farm site. The deadline to apply is 22 October 2026.

ChurchCare

ChurchCare

ChurchCare is the Church of England's Cathedral and Church Buildings Division. It provides funding for conservation work on historic church interiors and churchyard structures. The grants are specifically for Anglican churches across England. ChurchCare works with various grant-giving bodies to fund these projects. All conservation work must meet high standards. The funding helps preserve England's historic church buildings. Specific funding amounts are not published. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis.

London Community Energy Fund 2026-27: Development Fund

Greater London Authority

Stream three opened on 1 October 2026, offering up to £3,000 for external community-energy development costs. The first assessment deadline is 29 October 2026. The guidance conflicts about later dates: its header says 31 January 2027, while the application instructions and main page say 30 September 2027; completion dates also differ. Confirm later dates with the GLA. Streams one and two have closed. This programme is separate from Green Roots.

Bath & West Community Energy Fund

Quartet Community Foundation

Grants of up to £5,000 support community projects that reduce carbon emissions or fuel poverty in Bath and surrounding areas. Applications close on 29 October 2026 at 13:00 UK time.

National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grants

National Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme funds community gardening projects in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Grants range from £1,500 to £5,000. You can use the money for plants, tools, materials, greenhouses, and other gardening supplies. The goal is to create gardens or allotments that bring communities together and support biodiversity. The deadline to apply is 30 October 2026.

Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds early-stage, curiosity-driven environmental research with transformative potential. You can apply for between £100,000 and £200,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. The deadline to apply is 12 November 2026.

Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds early-stage, curiosity-driven environmental research with the potential to be transformative. It is aimed at researchers based at UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding. The maximum award available is £8,000,000. There is no specified deadline, so applications may be accepted on a rolling basis.

Unlocking advanced capabilities in conservation and heritage science

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds conservation and heritage science research in the UK. It supports building sustainable capability, improving access to nationally significant facilities, and driving innovation with industry partners. You can apply for up to £6,200,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Unlocking advanced capabilities in conservation and heritage science

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds projects that strengthen conservation and heritage science in the UK. It supports building sustainable capability, improving access to nationally significant facilities, and driving innovation with industry partners. Awards range from £500,000 to £1,500,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. The deadline to apply is 25 November 2026.

International Tree Foundation - UK Community Tree Planting Programme

This programme funds community tree planting projects in North West England. It supports groups that plant and care for native tree species. Your project must involve the local community in tree planting and ongoing care. The funding is run by Action Together on behalf of the International Tree Foundation.

Community Leadership Fund

Peterborough City Council

The Community Leadership Fund gives each of Peterborough's 60 city councillors £1,000 per year to support local community projects. You can get up to £1,000 for schemes that improve your local area. Projects should help with economic, social or environmental improvements in Peterborough. You must contact your local city councillor directly to ask for support. The deadline is 31 December 2025. This funding is only for organisations and community groups in Peterborough. Your project should align with the city's priorities and benefit your local ward.

Green Roots Fund (Round 4)

Greater London Authority

Green Roots Fund offers £10,000 to £500,000 for projects improving green and blue spaces for public benefit in London. Round 4 closes at 2pm UK time on 14 January 2027. Projects can last up to two years and require at least 10% match funding, including in-kind contributions.

Free Trees for Schools and Communities

Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust gives free native tree packs to schools, local authorities, and not-for-profit community groups. Packs come in sizes of 15, 30, 105, or 420 saplings. You can request up to four packs, but no more than 420 trees in total. Species mixes suit different goals, including hedgerows, wildlife habitat, and urban greening. Trees are delivered in March and November each year. Applications for the November 2026 delivery are open now and close in August 2026.

Forest Creation Grant

The National Forest Company, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

This grant helps landowners and tenants plant trees and create woodland. It is for land within the National Forest or close to its boundary. Projects should deliver environmental, community, or economic benefits. Funding ranges from £1,500 to £1,000,000. The grant uses standard cost rates linked to national tree-planting and agri-environment schemes. The deadline to apply is 31 January 2027.

Bristol Local CIL and Section 106 Funding

Bristol City Council

Local infrastructure projects in Bristol can enter the Area Committee funding process by submitting a Stage 1 proposal by 8 March 2027. Get ward councillor endorsement first. Funding depends on the area, available developer contributions and the project; no standard award limit is advertised. This route is separate from the Bristol Impact Fund. The published deadline gives a date only, so confirm the closing time and submit early.

People and Research

Historic England

Historic England's People and Research Scheme funds two types of activity. The first covers engagement, skills, training, education, and heritage project posts that help people understand and protect the historic environment. The second covers research into the historic environment, including conservation science, surveys, publications, archives, and guidance toolkits. Grants range from £250 to £300,000. You must be based in or working in England. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027.

Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture)

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds research into novel ecosystems. It looks at how these ecosystems work, how they change over time, and what that means for people and nature. You can apply for up to £3,750,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding.

Pushing the frontiers of environmental research

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds adventurous, curiosity-driven environmental research projects. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. You also need to meet individual eligibility requirements for your role. There is no set limit on grant value, though example figures up to £950,000 are shown. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027.

Poultry Biosecurity Reviews

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs / Rural Payments Agency

Funding pays £430 per eligible poultry biosecurity review. Applications close on 30 September 2028; reviews must be completed by 31 December 2028 and claims by 31 March 2029. Up to three reviews per separately registered site are available, with at least ten months between reviews at the same site.

England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs / Forestry Commission – Defra Trees Programme

EWCO helps you create new woodlands in England. It is run by the Forestry Commission and funded by Defra. You can apply for between £4,000 and £2,000,000. Funding is confirmed until March 2030, but there is no set closing date for applications.

Heritage at Risk Capital Fund

Historic England

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund pays for the repair and conservation of historic buildings and sites in England. You can apply for between £100,000 and £1,000,000. Up to £60 million is available over four years, running to 2030. Projects in deprived areas and those that bring community benefit will be prioritised.

Woodland Management Plan Grant

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs / Rural Payments Agency

The 2026 PA3 grant accepts applications throughout the year from 5 January 2026, subject to budget. It funds preparation of a ten-year woodland management plan meeting UK Forestry Standard requirements. Payment starts at £1,500 for qualifying areas up to 50 hectares, with additional area-based rates for larger plans.

Veolia Environmental Trust Community and Environment Grant

Veolia Environmental Trust

Veolia Environmental Trust funds projects that improve community facilities and the natural environment. Your project site must be in an eligible area in England. Use the trust's eligibility checker before you apply. Funding rounds have set closing dates, so check these before you start your application.

Passionate About Realising Potential in environmental/green careers

Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

The Curtin PARP Fund provides up to £7,000 for environmental and green career development. You can apply if you are an individual or organisation in the North East of England. This includes Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. The fund focuses on realising potential in green careers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline. The exact funding range and eligibility criteria are not specified. You should contact the funder directly for more details about what the money can be used for.

Pushing the frontiers of environmental research

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds adventurous environmental research projects. You can apply for money to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven research. The Natural Environment Research Council runs this funding. No specific funding amounts are listed. There are no set deadlines - you can apply at any time. The grant is available in England. You need to be conducting environmental research to apply.

Climate Action Seed Fund

Community Foundation Northern Ireland

The Climate Action Seed Fund provides up to £5,000 for grassroots environmental projects in Northern Ireland. You can apply if you are a group or individual working on community-led environmental initiatives. The fund supports projects that tackle environmental justice, climate resilience, or conservation. Your project must have clear outcomes within 3 to 12 months. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The fund prioritises locally focused projects that educate and engage communities. You can use the money for immediate local environmental impact projects.

Cellnex Community Fund

Cellnex

The Cellnex Community Fund gives up to £5,000 to community projects. You can use the money for digital inclusion, skills training, environmental projects, or education programmes. The fund supports projects that help people, improve local areas, and promote technology access. Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and not-for-profit groups can apply. You need at least three unrelated people on your governing body. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Glassmoor Local Environment Fund

Fenland District Council

The Glassmoor Local Environment Fund supports local environmental improvement projects in the Glassmoor area. Community groups can apply for funding to enhance their local environment. The fund is run by Fenland District Council.

GM Nature Network Grants

GM Nature Network Grants

This grant supports charities and third sector groups in Greater Manchester. It funds work that creates wildlife-rich land as part of the GM Nature Network. The goal is to help deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Small grants are available, but the exact amounts are not confirmed.

Surrey Heritage for All programme

Community Foundation for Surrey and Surrey Cultural Partnership

The Surrey Heritage for All programme offers grants up to £10,000. The money helps diverse communities engage with Surrey's heritage and natural environment. It is run by the Community Foundation for Surrey and Surrey Cultural Partnership. The funding comes from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. You can use the money to create opportunities for different communities to connect with local heritage. This could include projects involving historical sites, cultural activities, or natural spaces. The programme appears to have rolling deadlines with no fixed closing date.

Surrey Heritage for All

Community Foundation for Surrey and Surrey Cultural Partnership

Surrey Heritage for All offers grants up to £10,000 to help diverse communities connect with Surrey's heritage and natural environment. The funding comes from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. You can use the money to create new opportunities for people from different backgrounds to engage with local heritage. This could include community projects, events, or activities that make heritage more accessible. The grant is run by the Community Foundation for Surrey and Surrey Cultural Partnership. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. You need to be an organisation working specifically to increase heritage engagement for diverse communities.

Rewilding Britain - Rewilding Innovation Fund

Rewilding Britain

This fund supports new and ambitious community rewilding projects across Britain. It aims to remove barriers that stop rewilding projects from getting started or going further. Funding goes to projects with the highest potential impact for people and nature. Projects can be at early planning stages or already underway.

Grants for environmental activities

Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

The North East Environment Fund and The Lawrence Campbell Community First Fund provide grants up to £5,000 for environmental activities. The grants are available to organisations in Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. This is a rolling grant programme with no set deadlines. You can apply at any time throughout the year. The grants support environmental projects and activities in the North East of England. Specific eligibility criteria and funding requirements are not detailed in the available information.

Cardiff Grassroots Venue Fund

Cardiff Council

Cardiff Council offers funding to help grassroots venues in Cardiff become more sustainable. The money can be used to improve your venue's operations and make it more financially or environmentally sustainable. You must be an existing grassroots venue in Cardiff to apply. This could include music venues, community halls, or entertainment spaces. The funding amount is not specified in the available information. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline. You can use the money for improvements that will help your venue run better or be more environmentally friendly.

East Salford Community Grant

Salford City Council

East Salford supports not-for-profit community projects. Awards are usually up to £3,000, but larger requests can be considered where local need and priorities justify them.

Scottish zero emission bus challenge fund

Energy Saving Trust

The Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund helps organisations in Scotland switch their bus fleets to zero emission vehicles. Partners and collaborators can apply for grants to transition to cleaner bus alternatives. The fund is managed by Energy Saving Trust.

Zero Emission Bus Market Transition Scheme

Energy Saving Trust

The Zero Emission Bus Market Transition Scheme helps bus operators in Scotland replace their fleet with zero emission alternatives. The scheme supports the transition to cleaner public transport options. Bus operators in Scotland can apply for this funding.

Woodland Tree Health (WTH) Grant

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs / Rural Payments Agency

The 2026 Woodland Tree Health grant accepts applications throughout the year from 5 January 2026. Restoration supports eligible restocking after disease, while improvement supports removal of specified infected trees or rhododendron. Payments follow the approved work items rather than one universal award cap.

The Tree Council - Branching Out Fund

The Tree Council

The Tree Council's Branching Out Fund supports tree and hedge planting projects in North West England. The funding is for projects taking place during the 2026/27 winter planting season. This connects to National Tree Week, the UK's largest annual tree planting campaign held each November. The fund aims to support community tree planting initiatives. Funding amounts are not specified in the available information. Application deadlines are not confirmed but likely align with the planting season timing.

Brent Together Towards Zero Grant: Round 5

Brent Council

Round 5 offers up to £5,000 for community projects tackling climate change and improving the environment in Brent. It opened on 15 June 2026 and runs until spring 2027 or until the budget is used. No exact closing date is published. Residents, community organisations and eligible local businesses can apply for a one-off project with lasting local benefit.

Tree Health Pilot

Forestry Commission

Support for owners and managers of trees affected by specified pests or diseases in England. Most strands cover the North West, West Midlands, South East and London. Qualifying spruce cases can be supported elsewhere in England. Applications must total at least £500.

Get funding to improve animal health and welfare: cattle, pigs and sheep

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs / Rural Payments Agency

Funding pays for vet-led animal health and welfare reviews and eligible follow-up visits in England. Payments range from £258 to £1,844 per review or follow-up, depending on the species, visit and testing required. Visits must be completed by 19 June 2027 and claims submitted by 19 September 2027. These are not application deadlines.

Tree Health Pilot Scheme

Forestry Commission

The Tree Health Pilot accepts expressions of interest for support dealing with specified tree pests and diseases. Eligibility assessment and a site visit precede any invitation to apply. Support and payment rates depend on the affected trees and work.

Matson Ground Fund

Cumbria Community Foundation

Overview Grants to support projects that are triggered by community need and that bring people together to address shared challenges, foster social action, and improve local spaces. The Fund aims to: • strengthen communities and improve people’s lives through local, community-led projects • respond quickly and flexibly to emerging and urgent need • support creative ideas to tackle social or environmental issues and enable communities to be more resilient in the long term The Fund aligns with the Cumbria Lieutenancy’s Strategy, which was launched in September 2025. Donor Alex and Samantha Scott Who can apply? • small, grassroots charitable, not-for-profit, and volunteer-led organisations based in Cumbria • larger county-wide charitable groups can apply, but ONLY if their values and approach closely match the Fund’s aims and guiding principles What the Fund will support: • project-based activity • unrestricted and core funding ONLY if the organisation’s objectives are closely aligned with the Fund’s aims and We are particularly interested in projects that: • support young people, especially in rural and underserved communities • address the needs of vulnerable or underrepresented groups • promote volunteering, civic participation, and community engagement • champion environmental sustainability and climate-conscious practices • create opportunities for people to work together and take collective action on local priorities What the Fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions: • individuals • national charities • planned building improvements How much can you apply for? Grants will typically range from £1,000 to £15,000. Larger or multiple-year grants may be considered in exceptional circumstances. How to apply? • All applications are now made through our online application portal • Read our step‑by‑step portal help guide here If you would like further information about this fund please contact: Sarah Thompson on 01900 820821 or email sarah@cumbriafoundation.org

Access Foundation - Digital Divide Grants

This grant supports charities and not-for-profit organisations in North West England. It funds projects that help disadvantaged people who are being left behind by digital technology. It also supports projects that benefit communities and the natural environment. The grant is available on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed deadline to apply.

Fairfield Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

Cumbria Community Foundation

This fund supports charitable and not-for-profit organisations in communities near the Fairfield Wind Farm in Pica, Cumbria. It funds projects that reduce poverty, improve health, tackle inequality, or promote climate action. It also supports environmental sustainability, community facilities, and energy efficiency improvements for low-income residents. Grants are normally up to £10,000 for one year.

The Brian Crowe Community & Conservation Fund

Cumbria Community Foundation

Overview Grants for groups in Cumbria to support: 1) Community: people facing specific health‑related or emergency circumstances. Area of benefit: Furness and South Lakeland or 2) Conservation: nature conservation and preservation; improvement and restoration of habitats and upland farming landscapes; and the protection of wildlife, native species and heritage breeds. Area of benefit: Cumbria Donor The Brian Crowe Community & Conservation Fund has been set up in honour of Brian, a true countryman and farmer for over 60 years. A man of few words, Brian loved and revered nature and was skilled in the old ways, always working in harmony with the environment and never against it. The fund was created to help people like Brian to care for and nurture the landscape of our beautiful county of Cumbria and the unique wildlife and habitat within it, and to preserve it for generations to come. Who can apply? • charitable, not-for-profit organisations Examples of activity supported include: Community – priority will be given to: • palliative or end of life care • specialist provision for people with visual impairments • search and rescue services Conservation: • species conservation (priority for red squirrel conservation) • protection of heritage breeds • habitat creation, restoration and improvement • traditional rural and land‑based working practices What the Fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions: • individuals How much can you apply for? • The maximum grant will normally be up to £5,000. • Multiple-year funding may be considered. How to apply? • All applications are now made through our online application portal • Read our step‑by‑step portal help guide here For further information about this fund please contact: Siona Hartley on 01900 820824 or email siona@cumbriafoundation.org

Garfield Weston Foundation Regular Grant

Garfield Weston Foundation

Regular Grants are below £100,000 and can support core running costs, capital works or specific projects. Eligible organisations can apply throughout the year, with no fixed submission deadline. The funder currently asks applicants to allow four to six months for a decision. Grants generally meet part of your costs, so explain how the rest will be funded.

Garfield Weston Foundation Major Grant

Garfield Weston Foundation

Major Grants start at £100,000. Expressions of interest are accepted all year with no fixed deadline. The funder reviews the initial enquiry and gives guidance on the next step, aiming to respond within ten working days. A full proposal is submitted only after the enquiry is taken forward. This response time is not a promise of a funding decision.

Wing Cdr. H. Thompson MBE & Rev. J. L. Green Grassroots Grants Fund

Cumbria Community Foundation

Grants to organisations in the Barrow-in Furness area that support young peoples’ personal development, education and involvement in the community and environmental initiatives. Donor Anonymous Who can apply? • charitable, not-for-profit organisations Priority will be given to projects which support one of the following aims: • training in leadership, self-discipline and life skills for young people • respect for the environment Examples of projects supported: • sailing trip for disadvantaged young people • equipment for a judo or karate club • training costs for Scouts or Guides • running costs or building repairs for Sea Cadets What the fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions: • individuals How much can you apply for? Grants will normally be up to £1,000 over one year. How to apply? • All applications are now made through our online application portal • Read our step‑by‑step portal help guide here For further information about this fund please contact: Siona Hartley on 01900 820824 or email siona@cumbriafoundation.org

NERC urgency funding

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This funding helps researchers respond quickly to unexpected environmental events. It covers things like earthquakes, droughts, floods, or rare ecosystem events. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. There is no set deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Merton Civic Pride: Investing in Neighbourhoods Fund 2026

Merton Council

Applications close at 11:59pm UK time on 12 October 2026 for Merton projects addressing demands created by development, such as new housing. Funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy. Proposals should aim for a total project cost above £20,000; this is not a published minimum grant. No standard award ceiling is given. Obtain endorsement from an appropriate Merton councillor before applying. Payments are expected from June 2027 onwards, subject to approval and grant agreements.

UKRI Translation: BBSRC Proof of Concept 2026

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This grant funds researchers who want to turn bioscience discoveries into real products, services, or solutions. It supports work that creates economic, social, or environmental impact. You can apply for up to £3,000,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding.