We know bold ideas often spark big questions. That’s why we’ve pulled together clear answers on everything from the fund basics, eligibility and geographic scope to what we can and can’t fund, assessment and decisions, project delivery, value for money and procurement, and even stacking with other funding.
Our aim is simple: to help you feel confident in shaping and submitting your project, so together we can deliver lasting recovery across our chalk and limestone landscapes.
Fund basics
How much funding is available?
Approximately £750,000 total funding for capital projects from £1,000 to exceptional grants above £75,000.
When do I need to apply by?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the fund is fully allocated. However, all projects must be completed by 31 March 2026, so we recommend applying as early as possible.
Can I apply for 100% funding?
Yes, the fund can provide up to 100% of project costs where there is no commercial gain and the project represents good value for money. Match funding is always welcome and strengthens applications.
How many applications can my organisation submit?
You can apply for multiple projects, but each application is assessed competitively. We generally prefer organisations to submit their strongest single application rather than multiple smaller ones.
Is there a limit on projects per county?
No, but it is a competitive process, and we aim for good geographic distribution across the Big Chalk area. The boundary map is at the bottom of the homepage.
Eligibility and geographic scope
Which areas are eligible?
Projects must be within the Big Chalk boundary, which covers chalk and limestone landscapes across approximately 27 counties from Dorset to Norfolk. Check the interactive map at the bottom of our About Us page to confirm your location.
Are urban areas eligible?
Yes, urban chalk habitats can be important. For example, work on urban stretches of chalk streams would be eligible as both chalk stream restoration and wildlife corridor projects.
Can projects outside the boundary be considered if they benefit Big Chalk areas?
In limited circumstances, if work has a direct downstream impact within the Big Chalk area (such as catchment-based approaches), applications may be considered. Contact us to discuss before applying.
What we fund
What counts as capital expenditure?
Capital expenditure creates new, lasting physical assets including:
- Materials, equipment, and infrastructure
- Construction and installation costs
- Professional fees directly necessary for asset creation
- Staff time where directly attributable to creating the capital asset
Can you fund staff costs?
Yes, but only where staff time is directly attributable to creating the capital asset. This requires clear evidence such as timesheets when claiming. Project management may be eligible if directly linked to capital asset creation.
Can you fund external contractors?
Yes, contractor costs are treated the same as staff costs - they must be directly linked to creating capital assets.
Can you fund seed purchase?
Yes, seed is considered a capital item. You can purchase seed before March 2026 and sow it in the 2026 planting season, but you must demonstrate deliverability of the planned works.
Can you fund grazing animals?
No, as with other government grants, grazing animals cannot be funded.
Can you fund training?
No, training is not considered capital expenditure.
Can you fund second-hand equipment?
Yes, but you must demonstrate value for money by benchmarking costs against equivalent kit and showing how it will last and deliver ecological impact.
What we can't fund
What is not eligible?
Visitor infrastructure and interpretation panels
- Training or conference attendance
- Ongoing operational expenses, utilities, rent
- Maintenance or repair of existing infrastructure
- Like-for-like replacement without enhancement
- Revenue activities such as research or feasibility studies
Assessment and decisions
What are the assessment criteria?
Applications are scored using our 40/20/20/20 model:
- Project Outcomes (40%)
- Value for Money (20%)
- Sustainability and Legacy (20%)
- Delivery Capacity (20%)
If my application is unsuccessful, can I resubmit?
Yes, we provide feedback on unsuccessful applications and you may resubmit with improvements.
When do panel meetings take place?
Panel meetings occur regularly on a rolling basis until all funding is allocated or we reach the delivery feasibility cut-off (likely mid-January 2026).
Project delivery
What happens if I can't complete by March 2026?
The March 2026 deadline is non-negotiable due to government funding requirements. No extensions are possible, so only apply if you can definitely complete by this date.
Can I purchase equipment before March 2026 but use it afterwards?
Yes, but you must give the panel confidence in deliverability of planned works and may need to contract to deliver those works even after the funded period.
What permissions do I need?
You must obtain all necessary permissions before starting work, including planning permission, environmental permits, and landowner consent. You can apply before having all permissions but must secure them before project start.
How long must I maintain funded assets?
All funded assets must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years. If you sell equipment during this period, you may need to repay a proportion of the grant.
Value for money and procurement
Do I need three quotes?
Yes, three competitive quotes are required for any single cost item over £5,000.
Can I use Countryside Stewardship rates?
Yes, CS rates provide an easy way to benchmark costs and demonstrate value for money. No supporting quotes are needed if using CS rates.
How do you assess value for money?
We consider cost-effectiveness, procurement standards, market rates, and any match funding or additional resource mobilisation. We will benchmark against CS rates where possible.
Stacking with other funding
Can I combine this with other government funding?
You cannot use Big Chalk funding to match other Treasury sources like FiPL. However, you can use it alongside other non-Treasury funding sources.
What about Environmental Land Management or green finance schemes?
You can access ELM funds for maintenance or further enhancement after completing your Big Chalk project, but you cannot be paid twice for the same enhancement. Future funding must be calculated from a new baseline after your Big Chalk work is complete.
Can funded work be used for Biodiversity Net Gain or carbon credits?
You cannot sell environmental credits for the same enhancement funded by Big Chalk. However, you could access these schemes for further enhancements beyond your funded work, calculated from the new baseline condition.
When will future funding rounds be available?
We hope the fund will continue but this depends on Defra's business planning. Demonstrating success in this first year improves chances of future funding. We expect to know more early in the New Year.
Still got questions or can’t find what you need?
Reach out — we’re here to help you shape your project and make it happen.
