The benefits of nature
Nature can have a significant positive impact on wellbeing, as was discovered from the research from our Space to Thrive report.
During Mental Health Awareness Week (10 - 16 May), we're showcasing some of the many ways nature can support mental health and wellbeing. Visit our homepage to find out more.
Funding landscapes and nature is one of our key strategic funding priorities until 2024.
To help ensure the impact of our investment in addressing the twin climate and ecological crises we will prioritise landscape and nature projects that:
- support nature’s recovery
- deliver nature-based solutions to address climate change
- reconnect people to landscapes and nature
The heritage sector has an important role to play in reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. We’ve committed to working together with our sector partners to take action. Read our joint statement.
What we expect from projects we fund
We want all kinds of heritage project, large and small – to:
- limit any potential damage on the environment
- make a positive impact on the environment and particularly for nature
This could include:
- creating wildflower areas rather than close-mown grass
- increasing tree planting and native hedgerows
- not using peat
New environmental sustainability guidance
In May 2020 we updated our environmental sustainability guidance to help all our projects make a difference for nature.
What we fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have invested £1.6billion in landscapes and nature, including more than £950m in public parks and cemeteries.
Habitats and species
We support projects that conserve and enhance habitats and protect and preserve the UK's precious species.
Landscapes
We expect successful projects to show how they will address the key challenges faced by the UK's landscapes and nature.
Public parks and urban green spaces
Public parks are facing a severe reduction in funding from local authorities. This is how we can help your parks and urban green spaces.
Gardens and cemeteries
The UK is world renowned for its wealth of historic designed parks and gardens. Here's how our funding can help look after them.
Green Future: finding out what nature means to Coventry
Time for a change: outdoor learning for every child
Advice: how to consider the environment in your heritage project
Boosting biodiversity at Welsh railway stations
Black History Month: breaking down barriers to nature for young Black people
Saughton Park restoration project
The historic park in the south west of Edinburgh provides vital support for the community's wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Week: the value of green space
Pearson Park - The People's Park
Pearson Park, managed by Hull City Council, is a vital green space for the whole community.
Connecting communities: from the frontline to the front room
Outreach with a Porpoise
Outreach with a Porpoise has received a £24,600 grant to raise awareness of harbour porpoises and marine life in south Pembrokeshire.
All The Moor Butterflies: preserving rare species and improving wellbeing
This project helped to safeguard some of South West England’s rarest butterfly and moth species. The conservation work engaged a wider range of people through working with partners.
Join us in sharing your #PlanetaryPromise this week
Cody Dock: regenerating the lower River Lea in London
Gasworks Dock Partnership is regenerating Cody Dock in the lower Lea River to transform it in a vital wildlife corridor in Newham, East London.
Contribute your perspective to our new research and development project
Restoring and celebrating Castlewellan Forest Park
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have been awarded a £2.69million National Lottery grant to protect and rejuvenate Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down, Northern Ireland.
