Find funding for nature recovery projects
You can use Dorset Fund Finder and BCP4 Community to search for grants and funding opportunities for nature recovery in Dorset.
Which service you use depends on where your project is based:
- use Dorset Fund Finder if your project is in the Dorset Council area
- use BCP4 Community if your project is in the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area
Both services are run by the same provider and work in a similar way.
Funding for nature recovery projects
The organisations listed here provide funding that can support nature recovery projects. Links are included to help you find more information about each fund and how to apply.
Check the funder's website for details of eligibility, funding criteria and application deadlines.
This list is not exhaustive, and other sources of funding may also be available.
Nature Recovery Fund
Summary of fund
Capital projects that create, restore and improve habitats, strengthen connections between them and support the long-term recovery of species.
Restrictions
Projects must be within the Big Chalk Programme Area; the chalk and limestone landscapes of Southern England. Map of the area available on the website.
Relevant dates or deadlines
Applications are assessed year-round on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended as funding is limited.
See the Nature Recovery Fund website for full details.
Connect the Wild Earth Foundation
Connect the Wild Earth Foundation is a charity based in the South West that supports organisations delivering nature recovery projects.
Interest-free bridging loans are available to support short-term cash flow while projects wait for grand funding payments.
See the Connect the Wild Earth Foundation website for full details.
Farming in Protected Landscapes
Summary of fund
Capital actions and items that deliver outcomes for Nature, Climate, People and Place.
Examples include:
- planting new, and laying existing, hedgerows
- creating species-rich areas such as field margins/corners and scrub that create connectivity and expansion of adjacent species-rich habitats
- provision of high-quality nesting, breeding, over-wintering areas and spring and winter food availability for farmland birds
- reducing sediment and nutrient inputs into watercourses through soil conservation approaches such as winter cover crops, tree and hedgerow planting and grass buffer strips
Grant support is limited to one-off, action based, capital payments. The programme does not support ongoing management through revenue based payments.
Restrictions
Cranborne Chase National Landscape area
Relevant dates or deadlines
Open all year until March 2029. All funded actions should be completed before the end of each financial year however.
See the Farming in Protected Landscapes website for full details.
Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund
Summary of fund
Capital, action based projects, that restore or create new Wildlife-Rich Habitat as detailed within Environment Act Habitat Target, to support 30by30 in England objectives.
Opportunities include: restoration or creation of lowland calcareous grassland, lowland meadows, traditional orchards and scrub mosaics. Grant support is limited to one-off, action based, capital payments (and possibly a contribution towards project planning and management).
Restrictions
Cranborne Chase National Landscape area
The Programme does not support ongoing management through revenue based payments.
Relevant dates or deadlines
Open all year until March 2029. All funded actions should be completed before the end of each financial year.
Email [email protected] for more information
Defra grants and schemes for environmental land management
Additional funding options are available for farmers and land managers supporting nature recovery.
Apply for grants and other funding to increase productivity, manage your land to benefit the environment and support your agricultural business.
See the Defra grants and schemes for environmental land management website for full details.
Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme
Summary of fund
Mainly capital fund that can deliver bespoke activities that meet outcomes for people, place, climate and nature within the Dorset National Landscape. The Dorset National Landscape team sometimes has access to other funding streams but for farmers and landowners, access to these funds is via the FiPL route.
Restrictions
Dorset National Landscape area but projects can be outside where a clear link to benefitting the National Landscape can be made.
Relevant dates or deadlines
Fund is open
DNL takes enquiries and applications via the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme route; please visit the website for full details.
Capital funds for broadening access to nature
Summary of fund
Dorset National Landscape manage capital funds for enabling access to the landscape for those who face barriers in doing so.
Restrictions
Dorset National Landscape area but projects can be outside where they enable access to the National Landscape.
Relevant dates or deadlines
Fund is open
Visit Tourism and Visitor Management for more info. Enquiries to Sally King ([email protected])
Tree planting and woodland creation
Find information and support on woodland creation in England, including funding to create woodland, legal requirements and best practice for sustainability.
See the Tree planting and woodland creation: overview website for full details.
Grants for trees and woodland
Forestry Commission grants for planting trees in England. Find out how to get funding for woodland creation, management and maintenance, and tree health.
See the Grants for trees and woodland website for full details.
If you would like support from the Forestry Commission email: [email protected]
Projects for Nature
Projects for Nature connects nature recovery projects with private sector funding from businesses and corporate partners.
This funding may be suitable for:
- projects delivering benefits for biodiversity and the environment
- established or ambitious projects looking for private sector funding
- organisations developing large-scale or long-term projects
See the Projects for Nature website for full details.
National Highways Community Trees Programme
Summary of fund
Tree planting programme.
Restrictions
Applications must be for between 500 to 50,000 whips. Fund is open to farmers, individual landowners, local authorities, charities and other NGOs, community groups, education institutions, and private sector organisations including care homes. Projects must be in publicly accessible, publicly visible, or community-used spaces to ensure broad public benefit.
Relevant dates or deadlines
The fund will remain open until all tree stock has been allocated. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received; early applications are strongly encouraged.
See the National Highways Community Trees Programme website for full details.
Catchment management
Summary of fund
Funding is offered to farmers in certain catchments if they can help prevent specific impurities such as phosphorus from entering the water supply. Funding is available through a number of schemes.
Restrictions
Geographical restrictions - see catchment map for details
Relevant dates or deadlines
Schemes currently running from 2025 to 2030
See the Catchment management website for full details.
Wessex Water Environment Fund
Summary of fund
The fund is targeted at voluntary and community groups and other organisations where a small amount of money can make a big difference. The grant can help cover core costs and/or project costs, which will help you to make improvements to the local environment.
Restrictions
Projects must demonstrate one or more of the following outcomes:
- involve communities in environmental activities that benefit their local area
- restore, maintain or enhance the local natural environment
- engage people in supporting the local natural environment
Relevant dates or deadlines
Fund is currently closed, will reopen for applications in spring 2027
See the Wessex Water Environment Fund website for full details.
Further information
Find out more about funding and support for nature recovery activities.
An Investment Readiness Toolkit can help prepare your project for funding.