Community Nature Fund

Tom Marshall

Our Community Nature Fund supports projects that are focused on creating, improving or expanding spaces for nature in the Peak District National Park. We’re happy support all kinds of work that will benefit wildlife and biodiversity, but examples could include:

  • creating wildflower meadows
  • planting hedgerows or trees
  • building or restoring ponds
  • installing bird or bat boxes

What does the grant cover and who can apply?

Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available towards the specific costs of delivering your project, including the hire or purchase of tools, equipment and materials, as well as the costs of professional contractors if there is a clear and justifiable need for this.  Please note: Community Nature Fund grants cannot be used to contribute to your organisation’s general running costs, such as overheads or core staff salaries.

We can accept applications from any of the following types of people and organisations:

  • Parish councils
  • Schools
  • Registered charities
  • Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
  • Community interest companies (CICs)
  • Community groups, societies and associations
  • Smallholders (as long as the project you are applying for is not-for-profit and you can show clear benefits for nature)

To be eligible for funding your project must take place within the Peak District National Park boundary. We cannot fund projects taking place on sites which are already managed or protected for nature (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local/National Nature Reserves).

How do I apply?

Further guidance and information on eligibility is available in our application guidance document, which you can download via the button below.  Please read the guidance carefully before applying.

Once you have read through the guidance and if you are happy that the Community Nature Fund is the right fit for your project, then please:

  • Get quotes for your project costs (where possible you should try to get at least two or three comparable quotes for any significant costs to ensure that you get the best value for money)
  • Download an application form, fill in and return to us at hello@peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk

Our deadlines this year are:

  • 5th June 2026 (you will hear the outcome of your application by 3rd July)
  • 25th September 2026 (you will hear the outcome of your application by 23rd October)
  • 29th January 2027 (you will hear the outcome of your application by 26th February)

Please note that we receive far more applications than we can fund so even if your project is eligible you are not guaranteed to receive a grant.  In the last year we have awarded grants to around two thirds of organisations which have applied.

If your application is successful:

  • You will be asked to submit a simple evaluation form to tell us about the difference that your project has made
  • You will be responsible for maintaining anything bought or built with your grant for a minimum of 5 years