Nature Restoration Fund - November 2025 update

Since the Nature Restoration Fund reopened in June 2025, we have been working through an unprecedent level of demand with 172 Expressions of Interest submitted to the programme.

Following the most recent application deadline, we have received 81 applications and expect the level of competition for this round of funding to be very high. 

It is fantastic to see the wide range and continuing high number of Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) proposals seeking to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity on land and sea, but this becomes challenging when we receive applications from more good projects than we can fund. 

The dedication evident in each proposal reflects the incredible work happening across Scotland to bring benefits for nature and we recognise the time and effort that has gone into each application. 

Applicants who applied for 3 November deadline will be notified of a decision in February 2026. We are currently assessing applications received, and our assessments will inform the deliberations of the grant making panel in February, where final decisions will be made. 

Since its launch in 2021, the Scottish Government’s £65 million Nature Restoration Fund has supported more than 240 projects through the competitive scheme run by NatureScot. The nature sector in Scotland is facing unparalleled challenges in tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, and NRF projects provide a vital way to achieve the aims of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, helping to restore and regenerate Scotland’s nature by 2045.