Wild About Devon – Community Wildlife Grant Scheme

Applications for the WAD Grant is now Closed! The funding was awarded on a first come first serve basis to successful applicants.  

What is the project about 

DCT is happy to announce the opening of the Wild About Devon – Community Wildlife Grant Scheme, developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership. This fund is financed by the Devon Environment Foundation (DEF), Devon Communities Together (DCT), and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of the commitment to help tackle the Ecological Emergency.

Whilst Devon is green and superficially beautiful we have lost vast areas of habitat and species over the last 50 + years. The project recognises the vital role community action can play in tackling the ecological emergency through diverse environmetally sustainable interventions that will provide long term benefits for wildlife. This could range from; changing the management of gardens, parks, green spaces, churchyards, orchards, window boxes, ponds and ditches and buildings, in a way which will benefit wildlife.  

The aim of this grant scheme is to provide a very simple way for community groups to access small amounts of  funding to kickstart  their group / interventions, and also acquire much needed advice, equipment and other resources. 

Who can apply

This grant has been created to support projects and activities that seek to make a real difference for wildlife in Devon. All types of community groups with a wildlife focus or wildlife project, who are based in Devon (including Torbay) can apply for this grant. This includes but is not limited to:

• Community wildlife groups
• Town / Parish councils
• Schools and Multi-Academy Trust (MATs)
• Collaborative partnership among groups to maximise impact are allowed, however the application will have to be made by a lead partner.

Examples of projects we will fund

• Restoration of neglected habitats such as grassland or woodland through better management, e.g. tools, materials, training, or safety equipment.
• Creation of new wildlife areas such as ponds, wildflower meadows, hedges and woodlands, especially in places which help connect existing wildlife areas.
• Creation of a new wildlife group or support for an existing one that seeks to monitor, educate, raise awareness, or take action for Devon’s wildlife.
• Enhancement of community gardens, churchyards and other public spaces provided this for the benefit of wildlife first and foremost.

Examples of projects we will not fund

• Gardening activities e.g. building raised beds, paths, fences, composters and other infrastructure
• Sustainability infrastructure or schemes, e.g. bike racks, solar panels etc.
• Vegetable / herb / fruit growing (including planting orchards)
• Wellbeing activities
• Projects without a long term management plan, and secure supporting infrastructure
• For tree planting projects, kindly visit this link to other existing funding sources.

Apply now by using our online form Apply now  

or download the word application form and submit the completed form to info@devoncommunities.org.uk . Application form 

Find further information about the grant and application process in the Guidance document  

Resources

• Visit this link for sources of funding and resources for tree planting projects.
• Join our Wild About Devon Facebook discussion group! and have access to a peer network, information on training events, webinars and other handy updates on wildlife issues and projects across Devon.
• Community toolkit
• If you are a council wanting to improve your area for wildlife please join our Devon Parish & Town Council Wildlife Network.