Highland communities invited to apply for government nature restoration grant

Highland communities are being invited to apply for a share of a Scottish Government nature restoration fund.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available from Friday (August 14) for projects to help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and tackle biodiversity loss.

In recent years almost £1m has been awarded to 96 community-led projects in Highland.

The initiatives included the creation of wildflower meadows, tree planting, wetland and wildlife pond creation and the removal of invasive non-native species to improve habitats.

Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “Highland communities have shown tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to restoring nature in their local areas and the fund has helped turn many ideas into reality.

“I’d encourage eligible groups and organisations to consider applying to the fund and play their part in helping us meet our shared ambitions for nature recovery and tackling the impacts of climate change.”

Keith Readdy of the Boleskine House Foundation, a previous beneficiary of the nature restoration fund, said: “The fund has enabled us to make lasting improvements for biodiversity on the ground while also involving volunteers and strengthening long-term care for the landscape.

“It’s created real benefits for nature already and those benefits will continue to grow as the restored habitats establish over time.”

The fund supports capital projects only. Applications for grants will be assessed on a rolling basis.