The SNP Government is allocating another £12.5 million to projects to help the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
The annual Nature Restoration Fund is open to projects that help Scotland's species, woodlands, rivers and seas back on the road to recovery, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of local communities, with at least £12.5 million available in 2022/23.
Amongst recipients of the first round last July was the Communities of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) for their survey vessel to support community outreach and marine restoration, monitoring and enhancement work.
Funding was also allocated to the Ayrshire Rivers Trust for their Garnock Connections project restoring riverbank stability and creating improved habitat for biodiversity.
Habitat and species restoration, coastal and marine protection and eradication of invasive non-native species are among the types of projects that can apply for grants of up to £250,000.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“The SNP Govenrment is redoubling efforts to protect species and restore nature across North Ayrshire and Scotland.
“This fund is part of the SNP Government’s wider £500 million investment in Scotland’s natural environment, with funding for the restoration of peatlands, woodlands, and other natural habitats.
“Over this parliament there will be an investment of at least £65 million through the Nature Restoration Fund, and I hope more groups will follow in the footsteps of COAST and the Ayrshire Rivers Trust.”
Francesca Osowska, NatureScot CEO, said:
“If we want to secure a ‘net zero, nature positive’ future for Scotland then we must act now to repair the damage done to our land and seas by decades of degradation.
“Through the Nature Restoration Fund, we can support vital work to address the biodiversity and climate crisis by putting Scotland’s species, woodlands, rivers and seas back on the road to recovery.
“This is Scotland’s largest ever fund for nature and a vital opportunity to take positive action now and halt nature loss.”
Find out more about the Nature Restoration Fund and how to apply for this year’s funding on the NatureScot website.
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