Grants of up to £2m are being made available to environmental charities after the government announced a second funding round aimed at restoring nature and tackling climate change.
The £40m Green Recovery Challenge Fund is open for applications for charities and their partners across England.
It aims to create and retain jobs and help “build back greener” from the coronavirus pandemic.
Eligible projects must include at least one of the following themes: nature conservation and restoration; nature-based solutions, particularly focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation; and connecting people with nature.
The fund will be delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency.
Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the NLHF, said: “It is vital that we build a pipeline of green projects that protect and enhance our beautiful countryside and wildlife, create jobs, and positively impact on our wellbeing.”
The first funding round resulted in almost £40m being awarded in November to 68 projects designed to help restore damaged habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests.
For grants of more than £250,000, applicants must express an interest by 22 March; if successful, they will be invited to submit a full application.
The deadline for applications for grants of less than £250,000 is 14 April.
More information on how to apply can be found here.