Second funding round opens soon for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fund for Nature

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fund for Nature is to launch a second funding round, opening its Call for Expressions of Interest on Tuesday 4th February 2025. The Fund aims to enhance biodiversity and increase access to natural green spaces, aligning with the ambition to double the quantity and quality of wildlife habitats in the region.

Why it matters

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are home to some of the UK’s most treasured natural environments but face significant challenges such as habitat loss and reduced biodiversity. The Fund provides a vital opportunity to support landscape projects that create lasting benefits for nature and communities alike.

Who can apply?

Expressions of Interest are welcome from:
Landowners and farmers integrating productive land use with biodiversity goals.
Local authorities and public bodies enhancing community green spaces.
Conservation organisations planning large-scale habitat restoration projects.

What the Fund supports

The Fund focuses on projects that:

• Attract external investment.
• Generate sustainable revenue and aim to be financially self-sustaining.
• Deliver measurable benefits like climate change adaptation, health improvements, flood prevention, and water quality enhancement.

Larger projects will be prioritised, with repayable funding of up to £300,000 available. Projects must match funding from other sources and demonstrate potential to leverage further investment or generate revenue.

How to find out more

A webinar for prospective applicants will take place on Tuesday, 11th February, 2:00–3:30 PM, featuring updates on the first approved project, the Fleam Dyke Project, and guidance for the upcoming funding round.

Register here: https://shorturl.at/bYxcq

Matthew Bullock, Trustee of Natural Cambridgeshire and Chair of the Fund for Nature Committee, said:

“The Fund for Nature is focusing on large-scale projects to help farmers and landowners create habitats that support diverse species and restore wildlife in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It offers capital for these projects, which must be self-sustaining, matched by other contributions, and repayable. The goal is to promote the use of Green Finance, including biodiversity, woodland, carbon, and water credits, to help double Nature’s footprint in the region.”

About the Fund

The Fund was established through a grant from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and is managed by Natural Cambridgeshire.

How to apply

Guidance for Applicants and an Expression of Interest form will be published on 4th February.

For further information

Email: fund@naturalcambridgeshire.org.uk

 

Photo: Fleam Dyke nr Balsham, Cambridgeshire. Credit: Wildlife Trust BCN.