Community groups across Devon are being encouraged to apply for funding for initiatives that support wildlife and increase local biodiversity through the Wild About Devon Community Wildlife Grant Scheme.
Funded by a partnership including Devon Local Nature Partnership, Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Devon Communities Together, the grant scheme offers up to £500 for projects that benefit local wildlife while bringing people together to care for their local environment. The 2026-27 scheme is now open for applications, with funding available for a wide range of community-led initiatives.
Previous grants have supported projects including wildflower meadows, ponds, hedgerows, bird and bat boxes, wildlife-friendly churchyards, community orchards, and other habitat improvements.
This year, applicants are being particularly encouraged to demonstrate how their project will support the recently launched Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
The grants are open to not-for-profit organisations including community groups, charities, schools, parish and town councils, churches, and community interest companies.
Ben Feasy, Project Manager for Devon Communities Together said:
"Small community projects can make a big difference for nature. Whether you're creating habitats for wildlife, improving a community green space, or encouraging people to connect with nature, we'd love to hear from you. These grants are designed to help local groups turn great ideas into action."
Beth Bird, Devon Local Nature Recovery and Local Nature Partnership Manager said:
“This is an exciting year for Devon’s nature, with the launch of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy, setting out priorities, actions and where to focus efforts to help recover our amazing natural spaces. And we’re excited that the LNRS can help fund the Wild About Devon Grants this year, to support some of the amazing work that community groups across Devon, including Torbay and Plymouth, are carrying out to help take forward the priorities of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.”
Full guidance, eligibility information and application details are available on the Devon Communities Together website at Wild About Devon Community Wildlife Grant Scheme.
Picture caption: Jubilee Wood and Meadow Scythe Mowing in Great Torrington, one of last year's grant recipients. They were able to train a new scythe mowing volunteer and purchase a new scythe and associated equipment.
