The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage are working together to fund projects which will help save endangered species, improve habitats and increase access to nature. This includes projects in urban greenspaces.

Scottish Natural Heritage recently launched the Biodiversity Challenge Fund (BCF) with funding of up to £2million to support large-scale projects which will improve the health and resilience of the natural environment. The first year of the fund is now open, with up to £1million of investment available in 2019/20.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund continues to prioritise nature and wants to encourage projects applying to the Biodiversity Challenge Fund to also apply for match funding up to £100,000. The fund covers projects that regenerate and improve the sustainability of a public park or cemetery.

Riona McMorrow, Acting Head of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Scotland, welcomed the new Biodiversity Challenge Fund:

“Thanks to funds raised by players of the National Lottery and the launch of the BCF, organisations and community groups involved in the care of our natural environment will now have access to more funding opportunities.

“Nature is a top priority for The National Lottery Heritage Fund and by collaborating with Scottish Natural Heritage, we can ensure that Scotland’s landscapes and species get maximum benefit from our investments, conserving precious places and species while making the great outdoors accessible for many more people to enjoy.”