Nature Restoration Fund

2024-2025 Nature Restoration Fund allocation

In July 2024, Perth & Kinross Council received £175,000 to spend on projects that address the drivers of biodiversity loss, namely habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and invasive non-nature species. The nature restoration fund for 2024/2025 is now open for applications.

The fund is open to both internal Council projects and external community projects to further biodiversity across Perth and Kinross. The fund is open to projects at a minimum of £1000 that meet the purpose and themes of the fund. Projects will be assessed on their value for money and must be fully costed. Funds are for capital projects only, including restoration such as tree planting or removing invasive species, but can be on any land or water that is open to the public or is designated for its biodiversity such as a SSSI. 

How to apply

Download the Nature Restoration Fund application form (Word doc, 78 KB), completing all sections and send, along with any required evidence, to naturefund@pkc.gov.uk.

Applicants can download the application advice (PDF, 241 KB) that has been created to help you with the process. If you are unsure if your project is suitable and would like more advice before submitting an application please complete the online enquiry form.

Nature networks

Projects that contribute towards the development or protection of Nature Networks will be prioritised. A Nature Network is a habitat corridor that connects nature rich areas - those protected for biodiversity and other nature-rich sites. Protected areas include SACs, SPAs and SSSIs. Nature rich sites include proposed Local Biodiversity Sites. A corridor can be habitat corridors such as woodland or a river, or it can be stepping stones consisting of linked areas of suitable habitat or restoration projects. Projects that enhance or support nature rich areas also contribute to Nature Networks.

Map of nature rich areas within Perth and Kinross (opens new window)

The other key themes of the fund are:

Habitat and species restoration

Management for enhancement and connectivity: for example, creating or restoring native flower-rich habitats and grassland, extended hedges and field margins, planting native trees, and restoring or creating new ponds. 

Freshwater restoration

Including restoration of natural flows in rural catchments: for example, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, bank works to increase habitats and/or reduce flow, erosion, sediment wash out, and increasing lowland ponds and other water and wetland habitats. 

Coastal and marine initiatives

Projects which promote restoration, recovery, enhancement or resilience: for example, seagrass restoration. 

Control of invasive non-native species (INNS) impacting on nature 

Focusing on key species including Rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, and American skunk cabbage:  for example, working in partnership to bring an entire population of INNS under control across a large geographic region. 

Urban

Enhancing and connecting nature across, and between, towns and cities: for example, creating "stepping stone" habitats for pollinators and nature-rich blue green infrastructure. 

Funding for future years

Funding for future years to 2025/2026 is included in the Scottish Government's Programme for Government so community organisations are encouraged to think about pulling together a project for next year.

Funding available for community organisations for future years cannot be guaranteed but application dates will be released as soon as possible after the Council is notified. Communities should also consider applying for the Council's Community Environment Challenge Fund.

Looking for inspiration?

View a full list of success applicants and their projects from 2034-24