New fund encourages Mid Suffolk communities to ‘think big’ on nature and water projects

The Catchment and Landscape Nature Recovery Grant promotes larger-scale, collaborative initiatives which span multiple sites and landowners.

With a focus on river catchments, Mid Suffolk District Council’s fund supports projects that benefit communities as they address biodiversity loss, with a particular emphasis on priority habitats and species.

It will also support natural and sustainable flood management, as well as projects to improve water quality and security.

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “We are on an exciting path as a district. Building upon the foundations of our Biodiversity Action Plan and the landmark Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy, this new grant serves as a vital catalyst – empowering trusts, charities, and community groups to take the lead in restoring habitats and protecting the species that call Mid Suffolk home.”

Cllr Daniel Pratt, Mid Suffolk’s lead member for nature recovery, said: “By launching this grant, we are empowering our local partnerships to think big. Whether it is improving the health of our rivers or creating natural flood defences, this fund is about securing a wilder, more resilient future for Mid Suffolk. Seeing such a diverse range of experts and community leaders at our launch event underscores the collective determination we have to restore our natural world."

It is aimed at charitable trusts and other eligible partnerships and organisations working across a number of towns or parishes, particularly those addressing river catchments and associated landscape systems.

Applicants can seek between £50k and £200k. Match funding is not essential but is encouraged, while schemes must demonstrate a wide community benefit and engagement with local stakeholders.

A launch event for the grant, which opens on April 1, was recently held at The Mix in Stowmarket, attended by town and parish councils, community organisations, and experts from a range of organisations including the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, Suffolk County Council, the Suffolk Naturalist’s Society, River Waveney Trust, Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, The Deben Climate Centre, The Upper Gipping Farm Cluster and Anglian Water.

Earlier this year, Mid Suffolk District Council also launched the Community Nature Recovery Grant. This offers up to £50k for projects that protect and expand wildlife corridors and habitats within the district – including tree planting, wildflower meadow creation, or other environmental initiatives to safeguard natural spaces for future generations.

To find out more details about both grants or submit an application, visit the Mid Suffolk District Council community funding page.

Pictured: A launch event at The Mix, Stowmarket, for the new grant.