Attendees at the webinar raised a series of questions, which we have answered below.

The answers to several questions raised can also be found by reading the guidance.

FAQs

Can large projects use year 1 as a development year to work out the best places and methods of capital works for years 2 and 3? 

Broadly yes – however this will be a competitive round for all projects. We are looking for projects that are in the best possible shape to start capital works, with a clear understanding of the risks to delivery.

We would therefore expect that if you haven't yet identified specific sites or delivery methods, you tell us why and provide as much information as possible about proposed general areas ie: why they have been selected and provide rationale and assurance regarding the time frame for delivery. You may find it more appropriate to apply for a project development grant up to £250,000 to get these plans in place.

Is there guidance for how much revenue a project could include? 

We do not specify a capital/revenue split, as we are looking for a balance of costs across the whole portfolio. Your project revenue costs should be proportionate to your project needs.

Can staff time be included as capital cost if the time is strictly for capital related works? 

Yes, if staff are directly delivering capital works ‘on the ground’. Please indicate these costs in detail in the cost template provided.

Are continuation projects acceptable? 

A continuation project is acceptable providing you can demonstrate the clear need and build on learning from the earlier project. You should give consideration to long-term sustainability.

For a development project with no capital works, concerning a piece of land that we don't currently own, would the current landowner have to sign up to the terms of grant too? 

No, the landowner would not need to sign up to our terms of grant if no capital works are being undertaken. You would need to get a landowner agreement for activities such as surveying and feasibility studies.

Is there a specific geographical area or habitat you are keen to focus on in this round?

We are looking for a range of projects both in terms of geography and habitat. If we receive more good quality applications than we can fund, we will use the balancing principles in making the final decisions. This includes use of the Priority Ecological Network maps as a means of prioritisation.

Will there be an impact or evaluation report for the overall Nature Networks programme? 

The Welsh Government is commissioning a programme level evaluation which should get underway this year. We do not have further details on this at present.