What does the Grant Support?

Land purchase grants are available from English Nature to bring important areas of land into ownership and management of nature conservation organisations. Priority will be given to Natura 2000 sites in unfavourable condition. Grants can be used to purchase SSSI land, land around SSSIs where this will help safeguard the SSSI, and non-SSSI land where habitat restoration can make a major contribution towards the achievement of national biodiversity, habitat and species targets.

Applicants must be voluntary conservation organisations with a good track record in land management. Grants cannot be given to commercial organisations or private individuals.

The rate of grant offered toward the cost of land purchase will normally be between 5% and 25% of the purchase price up to a maximum of £50,000 and depending on the opportunities for leverage of other funds. However, land purchase grants are normally in the order of £10,000.The offer of a grant at a higher level should be the exception rather than the rule. Grants will not be offered towards the cost of related expenses (e.g. agent and solicitor costs).

English Nature
Northminster House
Peterborough
PE1 1UA
Tel: 01733 455145
Web: www.english-nature.org.uk/about/lpg.htm