Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund - launching late August 2025
We're excited to share the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund will launch in late August 2025 — a major step in marking our collective commitment to turning our partnership's ambition for nature's recovery into action on the ground.
The Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund will award individual grants of up to £75,000 to projects that help restore and reconnect the chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England. We’re aiming to support up to 10 projects at this scale — but we also welcome smaller proposals, and may consider larger grants where the impact is clear. All funding must be spent by March 2026.
From rivers to ridgelines, farmland to nature reserves, we're backing work that helps nature recover, strengthens habitat networks, and helps these iconic places thrive for people and wildlife across the Big Chalk geography — both within and beyond protected landscapes.
"Nature doesn't recognise boundaries — and neither should we. This fund is about working together across landscapes, sectors and communities to deliver change at a scale that matches the challenge. It marks a shift from ambition to action — investing in the people and projects that will bring the Big Chalk vision to life." — Nick Johannsen, Chair of Big Chalk.
Our priorities
We're backing capital projects that help restore and reconnect the globally important chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England. Our funding will focus on:
- Species-rich grasslands, chalk streams and ancient woodlands
- Projects that strengthen the links between habitats, including wildlife-friendly farming methods, helping nature move across landscapes as it responds to climate change
- Work that expands areas of high-quality, wildlife-rich land
- Better management of existing habitats to boost biodiversity
What we fund
This is a capital grants fund supporting the purchase of equipment, creation of new infrastructure, such as grazing, and and restoration and establishment of habitats that will deliver lasting benefits for nature's recovery. Match funding is welcomed but not essential.
Start planning now
If you're developing capital projects that align with these priorities, now's the time to let us know about your plans. Whether it's restoring grassland, creating a wildlife corridor, purchasing conservation equipment, or enhancing a local nature site — we want to hear from you.
This will be an easy-to-apply for scheme with dedicated support from our Fund Manager to help you develop strong applications.
Meet Naami, Our Fund Manager
We're delighted to welcome Naami Padi as the Fund Manager for the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund. Naami brings a wealth of experience from the voluntary sector, with a strong background in designing, delivering and evaluating impact-led grant programmes.
She's already helping us gear up for the launch of the fund and will be a key contact for those developing projects and seeking support.
"I'm excited to support nature recovery across these globally significant landscapes — and to help fantastic local projects access the funding they need to make a real difference," says Naami.
What's next
The Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund will open for applications in late August 2025 — and funding will need to be spent by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
If you're working on a capital project that could be a good fit, now's the time to start shaping your plans.
You can:
- Sign up to the Big Chalk newsletter to be among the first to hear when the fund opens
- Email Naami to register your interest, and she'll follow up in due course
Together, we're building a movement for nature's recovery across the iconic chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England— restoring wildlife, and expanding and connecting nature-rich places, helping create a future where nature and people thrive togeter.
This fund is made possible with support from the Protected Landscapes Partnership and Defra, enabling us to take bold steps towards a more connected, resilient and nature-rich future.