Funding and Projects
Looking after Scotland’s nature and landscapes isn’t our responsibility alone. Funding helps land managers, charities and others to contribute too.
We know that many of our partners are facing increasing challenges as a result of COVID-19 and we want to support those we fund as far as is possible at this difficult time.
At the moment our priority is to keep money flowing to support people, nature and organisations. Find out more on how we can achieve this at this time on our Covid-19 hub.
Also available is the COVID-19 emergency funding for grant recipients
Better Places Green Recovery Fund
Better Places Green Recovery Fund
Supporting community-led action in nature 'hotspots' which are suffering the most visitor management pressures, acting as a catalyst for future action and planning.
Applications must be submitted by Friday 29 January 2021.
Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF)
Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF)
A new fund is being developed to support marine environmental enhancement in Scotland. Voluntary donations from marine users and individuals will provide grants to enhance the natural capital of our seas and coasts. Launch of the fund is anticipated for late summer 2021.
Future Routes Fund
Mad Challenges & Pink Panthers Explorer Scout Unit
Two of this year's recipients of the Future Routes Fund. A fund dedicated to supporting young people in improving their local environment as well as their knowledge, understanding, and connection with Scotland's nature
Community-led Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Project
Marine biodiversity monitoring project
Scotland’s coastlines and waters are a special place for marine habitats and wildlife. The Community-led Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Project encourages everyone to get involved in the survey and monitoring of marine life in their local waters.
©Cecilie Dohm/Fauna & Flora International.
Plunge In! The Coasts and Waters Community Fund
Plunge In! The Coasts and Waters Community Fund
The fund is now closed for applications. Successful project details are available.
Biodiversity Challenge Fund (BCF)
Biodiversity Challenge Fund (BCF)
Biodiversity Challenge Fund - Round 3 - open for applications.
Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention
Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention
We are the Lead Partner for the Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention. This fund aims to improve Scotland’s urban environment by increasing and enhancing greenspace in our towns and cities, especially close to areas of multiple deprivation. Our Green Infrastructure Fund and Green Infrastructure Community Engagement Fund are now closed for applications. We do not expect to reopen applications.
Management Agreements (MA)
Management agreements (MA)
SRDP is the main source of funding for rural Scotland. We encourage land managers to seek SRDP support if we believe management is needed to improve the special features of a designated site (Natura sites and SSSI).
If SRDP can’t provide such support, and we see management as a priority, we may offer support through an MA.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
The fund supports new opportunities to promote the outstanding scenery, wildlife and culture of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in ways which support inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The aim of which is to also help retain jobs and sustain populations and services in rural communities. Funding decisions have been made. The NCHF fund is now closed for applications. We do not expect to re-open applications.
Outdoor Learning in Nature (OLIN) Fund
The Outdoor Learning in Nature Fund
Funding awarded to 23 projects with the aim of supporting young people to have regular, frequent, structured and progressive outdoor learning experiences.
The Outdoor Learning in Nature Fund has now closed.
Peatland ACTION Fund
Peatland ACTION Fund
Peatland ACTION offers funding for peatland restoration projects across Scotland in support of Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan outcomes. There are no geographical restrictions or target areas for Peatland Action funding. Before applying applicants should however, check whether their proposed restoration activities meets the funds outcome and eligibility requirements. The 2020-21 funding round closed at midnight on 30 September 2020, this page will be updated as soon as applications can be accepted for 2021-22.
Resident greylag geese - Transitional Challenge Fund
Resident greylag geese - Transitional Challenge Fund
NatureScot is funding local goose management groups (LGMGs) to establish sustainable approaches to managing resident greylag (RGL) goose populations for a further year in 2020/21. The aim is to enable farmers and crofters to protect their crops from serious agricultural damage while also maintaining the conservation status of resident greylag geese populations.
Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)
Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)
The Scottish Government is delivering the 2014-20 SRDP in partnership with NatureScot and other public bodies. Within SRDP, the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) promotes land management that protects and enhances Scotland's natural heritage, improves water quality, manages flood risk, and helps mitigate and adapt to climate change; public access projects have also been funded. SRDP also includes the Forestry Grant Scheme.
Find out more
