Peatland development grant opens in Wales

A scheme offering capital development grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 for peatland restoration is open for applications in Wales.

The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) scheme is designed to help reverse habitat loss and improve the condition of peatlands, and forms part of the five-year National Peatland Action Programme.

See also: Protected landscape scheme opens on South Downs

Applications for funding will close on 8 February 2023, with a response on their success provided by May.

Grants can potentially cover all of the total project cost.

Funding is available for individuals, public sector organisations, registered charities, universities, research institutes and private sector organisations.

According to NRW, the peatland capital development grant can be spent on overheads, equipment, contractors, consultants, professional fees, publicity, engagement materials and project-related reports.

Each project will be required to address at least one of the six National Peatland Action Programme priorities:

• Peatland erosion
• Peatland drainage
• Sustainable management of blanket peats
• Sustainable management of lowland peats
• The restoration of afforested peatlands
• The gradual restoration of highest carbon-emitting peatlands.

Grant recipients will be required to measure and provide details of the hectares of restoration delivery, peat depth recordings, restoration design proposals and confirmation that any necessary permissions needed are in place.

These projects will contribute towards the National Peatland Action Programme objective of restoring 600ha to 800ha of public and private land in Wales each year.

Full information on eligibility and how to apply can be found online at Natural Resources Wales.