Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund

This is an exciting new fund, designed to bring ponds, broadleaf woodlands, traditional hay meadows, bogs and other essential habitats to life.

These habitats are crucial if we are to turn the tide on the biodiversity loss. And, these wildlife-rich habitats will also deliver clean water, clean air, protection from drought, flooding and soil erosion, greater carbon sequestration, species-rich fodder for livestock, homegrown fruit for humans, and healthy, vibrant landscapes for us all to enjoy. Wildlife-rich habitats underpin agricultural productivity, climate resilience, economic security and human health.

This is a significant fund so be ambitious!

Guidelines for applying

• Projects need to create new wildlife rich habitat.
• Defra are keen to see ponds and orchards created.
• Hedgerows will be supported, but field margins will not.
• Projects supporting the Cotswolds Nature Recovery Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) will be favoured.
• Existing habitat meeting the criteria for the Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI) and sites designated as SSSI cannot be funded. Note that land with some wildlife interest that does not yet meet the PHI criteria (e.g. semi-improved grassland) may be funded to move it towards PHI habitat.
• The only existing woodlands that will be funded are to return planted ancient woodland sites to deciduous woodland.
• Countryside Stewardship intervention rates have to be matched.
• The location must be within the Cotswolds National Landscape or demonstrate a benefit to the National Landscape, for example by creating a large cross boundary habitat block.
• This is a capital grant only. No revenue items will be funded. Any officer time must be necessary for and directly linked to the delivery of the capital element. No maintenance.
• Projects need to be delivered this financial year (2026-27).

Other funding sources

Projects that restore or manage existing habitat may be fundable through Farming in Protected Landscapes.

What next?

If you think you can make use of some capital funding to create wildlife rich habitat, please e-mail a brief project idea (or ideas) to info@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

There are no particular limits on the type of applicant, if in doubt, ask us.