The Strategy for Nature Fund has now opened for it’s fifth year of applications. 

Individuals, organisations, and students can apply for grants, from the total available of £40,000, to support environmental initiatives that align with the Strategy for Nature. 

These can address a range of current issues, such as pollution, climate change, or combatting invasive, non-native species.

There’s also a specific bursary of £9,000 available for students doing relevant on-island research.  

The fund is managed by the Nature Commission, and Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS). 

  • Pictured: Previous rounds of funding have helped with the monitoring of Marine specials like seals…
  • …get a better idea of what species call our islands home…
  • …and build bird boxes.

​Last year, the fund supported fourteen local projects and four students, which looked to tackle marine mammal monitoring, beach cleans, and the enhancement of school grounds for nature. 

​Julia Henney, Senior Natural Environment Officer, said: “Since its launch in 2021, the Strategy for Nature Fund has gone from strength to strength, with more applications received each year and every year.” 

Ms Henney continued: “The fund has been able to support a wide range of projects which have helped to address some of the drivers of biodiversity loss and support local species and habitats. We are excited to see what projects we might be able to support this year.”  

  • Pictured: The funding has also helped with the work of the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers with removing Sour Fig…
  • …during the ‘Dune Grass’ restoration…
  • …and has helped fund education programs like the Bailiwick Environment Course.

​Angela Salmon, Nature Commission, said: “The Nature Commission is pleased to be launching the Strategy for Nature Fund once again. 

“We are looking forward to seeing the variety of applications from individuals, organisations and students and we read each application with great interest.”

For the first time, local businesses can also contribute to the fund through the new ‘Nature Opportunities for Businesses initiative’.  

Ms Salmon added: “​This year it is possible for businesses to boost the Strategy for Nature Fund through our Nature Opportunities for Businesses initiative. Making a contribution to this Fund will enable support to be provided to even more local environmental projects.”

​The deadline for applications is Sunday 26 October.