By nurturing or restoring nature, we can protect communities from the growing threat of extreme weather. Thriving parks, woods and rivers are an effective defence against heatwaves and floods – and deliver many other benefits too, including better mental and physical health.
So how can councils, charities, landowners and communities themselves secure funding for adaptation schemes? Key points include working in partnership – and describing the many and varied benefits your project will create.
The insights below are drawn from Ashden’s Resilient Roots programme, which supports nature-based adaptation in North West England. But they can help organisations anywhere in the UK deliver effective, inclusive and impactful projects.
Support green skills
Making sure your nature-based adaptation project builds the skills of local people will enhance its appeal to funders and volunteers alike. Projects offer a wealth of educational opportunities to gain practical green skills, in areas such as tree care and habitat management. You could consider how to incorporate accredited skills and training schemes into your funded project.
For example, community interest company Riverlution offers training accredited by Lantra, a leader in land-based and environmental qualifications,through its Stewardship Partnerships. Areas covered include first aid training and tree brushing, with many of its apprentices going on to further employment.
Clearly show your project’s benefits – use free tools to quantify these
It is important to highlight the specific benefits your project will bring nature and local communities. For instance, will you be cutting carbon emissions or boosting biodiversity in the area? Will you be engaging underrepresented groups?
Free online tools, such as the Manchester IGNITION project’s Green Roofs Benefits Calculator and the Mersey Forest’s Green Infrastructure Valuation Toolkit, can help to quantify the benefits of your project. More advanced, paid tools like the Social Value Engine can help assess the social impact of your project, and provide data on your previous work and achievements.
Work in partnership
Getting to know funders, local businesses and your community will go a long way to ensuring your nature-based adaptation project is successful. Partnering with universities and schools is also invaluable, and will help students get involved with protecting their local environment.
A great example is the work of Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods. The Leeds charity has partnered with a range of organisations, including engineering consultancy SWECO, University of Leeds, Leeds City Council and Groundwork Yorkshire to fund and help deliver its work.
Share a thorough plan
One of the most important parts of applying for grant funding is creating a compelling proposal, and it is also vital that you demonstrate to funders that your idea is well-researched and planned.
For example, have you gained permission from the landowner to conduct your work, with written proof of a lease or agreement? Do you have evidence of the costs and benefits your project will bring?
Explore a range of funding sources
There is an array of grant funding opportunities available to fund local nature projects, including regional funds like applying for the Greater Manchester Environment Fund and Lancashire Environmental Fund, as well as national funders such as National Lottery and the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust. Sign up to your local council for voluntary service, use resources such as The Nextdoor Nature Hub, and subscribe to local networks and newsletters to gain regular updates on new funding opportunities.
Thank you to Daveen Wallis from Lancashire Wildlife Trust, David Miles from Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods, Geoffery Guy from Riverlution and Richard Speak from Finance Earth for sharing their expertise with the Resilient Roots programme.
If you are an organisation based in North West England seeking support to deliver nature-based solutions, you can apply to for support from a Resilient Roots mentor here.
