28/01/2025
New Nature Recovery Fund Announced
Environment Minister Andrew Muir has launched a new Nature Recovery Challenge Fund, offering financial support to councils and voluntary organisations for environmental projects across Northern Ireland.
The fund, which will offer a minimum grant award of £50,000, will support projects that contribute to Nature Recovery, including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects.
Projects that support the conservation of Lough Neagh are particularly encouraged to apply.
"This Challenge Fund grant competition will provide vital funding for projects that are crucial to protecting and enhancing our environment," said Minister Muir.
The maximum amount of Government funding available under the competition will be 80% of eligible project costs.
Councils and voluntary organisations are now invited to submit applications for funding. Minister Muir continued: "This funding is a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations who are passionate about improving the environment and delivering practical actions that will promote nature recovery. I am delighted to announce the opening of this competition fund which provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help deliver key environmental outcomes outlined in Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan and the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
"This funding will support projects that will significantly contribute towards our commitments to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Projects will increase the area of wildlife habitat; protect and improve management of habitats, and create 'nature networks' which will enhance habitat connectivity and support higher species populations or greater species diversity."
Further information, including eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 - 2028. The closing date for applications is noon on 7 March 2025.
The fund, which will offer a minimum grant award of £50,000, will support projects that contribute to Nature Recovery, including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects.
Projects that support the conservation of Lough Neagh are particularly encouraged to apply.
"This Challenge Fund grant competition will provide vital funding for projects that are crucial to protecting and enhancing our environment," said Minister Muir.
The maximum amount of Government funding available under the competition will be 80% of eligible project costs.
Councils and voluntary organisations are now invited to submit applications for funding. Minister Muir continued: "This funding is a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations who are passionate about improving the environment and delivering practical actions that will promote nature recovery. I am delighted to announce the opening of this competition fund which provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help deliver key environmental outcomes outlined in Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan and the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
"This funding will support projects that will significantly contribute towards our commitments to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Projects will increase the area of wildlife habitat; protect and improve management of habitats, and create 'nature networks' which will enhance habitat connectivity and support higher species populations or greater species diversity."
Further information, including eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 - 2028. The closing date for applications is noon on 7 March 2025.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start with occasional rain, this heaviest, most persistent to the north of Lough Neagh. Dry and brightening conditions feeding to the west late morning, before extending to the rest of the Province early afternoon. Winds strong at first. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Dry start with clear spells. Cloud increasing from west from late evening, perhaps bringing some patchy rain to the far west towards dawn, but most staying dry. Strengthening southerly winds. Minimum temperature 1 °C.