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Landscapes, parks and nature

People at RSPB Minsmere
RSPB Minsmere
Since 1994 we have awarded over £1.8bn to more than 4,200 land, nature and biodiversity projects across the UK.

Nature is our oldest – and one of our most fragile – forms of heritage.

Looking after nature and helping people to understand its importance has never been more important. That's why funding landscapes and nature is one of our key strategic funding priorities until 2024. 

We are prioritising 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. Find out more about what we're doing to tackle climate change.

Discovering wildlife at Thatcham

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

Read more about our environmental sustainability requirements.

Read our environmental sustainability guidance..

Canisp Suilven Lock

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

Butterfly

We support projects that conserve and enhance habitats and protect and preserve the UK's precious species.

What we fund

Landscapes

Romney Marsh

We expect successful projects to show how they will address the key challenges faced by the UK's landscapes and nature.

What we fund

Public parks and urban green spaces

Green roof of cafe

Public parks are facing a severe reduction in funding from local authorities. This is how we can help your parks and urban green spaces.

What we fund

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.

What we fund
People planting trees

Basic Page

How we're tackling climate change

In our corporate plan we have committed to play our part in tackling climate change – both within our organisation and in our grant giving.
Drew Bennellick

Blogs

The importance of funding nature

To celebrate the start of Love Parks Week, our Head of Land & Nature Policy, Drew Bennellick, discusses the benefits of green spaces and why we fund them.
A family playing instruments
Enjoying a Ukelele Sing-along in Pearson Park, Hull

Stories

How we're funding parks projects

We take a look at three thriving parks which are doing their bit for nature – and people.
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Publications

Nature Networks Fund decisions, October 2021

We are distributing the Nature Networks Fund in partnership with Welsh Government. The programme aims to strengthen the resilience of Wales’ network of protected land and marine sites, supporting a green recovery for nature and communities. Grants ranging from £53,000 to £500,000 have been awarded
Three children hold tomatoes to their noses

Projects

Cynon Valley nature spot is a wellbeing wonder

A derelict site in Cynon Valley has been transformed into a community garden full of people, nature and wildlife – and is now the perfect place for boosting mental health.

Four people holding plants whilst smiling at camera

Projects

Pollinating the Peak

Staff, volunteers and participants on the Pollinating the Peak project are gaining a wellbeing boost from caring for bumblebees.

Family playing on playpark structures.

Projects

Zetland Park

Historic park has seen a £1.12million boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Scotland.

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