The aim of the Rewilding Innovation Fund is to help remove barriers to rewilding projects within Britain, whether they’re at the early planning stages or want to move a project one step wilder. Rewilding Britain is particularly keen to encourage those who are taking an innovative approach to land and marine rewilding, which will help develop learning and evidence for others within the Rewilding Network (membership is free for rewilders working at all scales). Grants will be awarded to projects with potential for the highest impact for people and nature.

Projects should incorporate rewilding at scale (i.e. more than 40 hectares) according to Rewilding Britain’s rewilding principles. This can be an individual landholding or a cluster of landholdings. It is recommended that applicants who are rewilding on a smaller scale form a group or network to apply. 

Around 10 grants are expected to be awarded of up to £15,000 to projects in England, Scotland and Wales. Most grants are expected to be for under £10,000. Grants can be used flexibly, according to a project’s requirements. However, grants cannot be used for capital costs or the purchase of land. Grants must be used with 15 months of a confirmed award.

Grants can be used for such things as (please note that this is not an exclusive list):

o Community engagement activities,
o Developing business plans and strategies.
o Feasibility studies, and
o Technological innovations.

A number of examples of previously funded projects are provided on the Rewilding Britain website (scroll down to the foot of the page).

The programme has a 2-stage application process, as follows:

1. Applicants should join the Rewilding Network (membership is free) through the online portal on the Rewilding Britain website.
2. An online application form can then be accessed.

Further information and guidance is available on the Rewilding Britain website.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 29th February 2024, with decisions expected to be announced in March/April 2024. There may be a further round of the Fund in the Autumn