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

• project 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 site needs to be based in the district of Worcester City
• 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 £2,500

• applicants need to email naturalnetworks@worcestershire.gov.uk to request a link to the registration application portal
• 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 40% 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

For help with the application process, or to discuss your application, please contact naturalnetworks@worcestershire.gov.uk 

View the videos below to see how our previous Natural Networks Programme, part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund has supported organisations.

Churchill Brook, Redditch

Burlish Golf Course, Burlish

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Forestry Commission. This project is being delivered and managed by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus (GOV.UK).