Natural England

Before applying for funding for your project, please read the General Guidance Notes [1.7 MB] for Access to Nature to check that what you are planning to do fits the programme. These Guidance Notes give information on the types of project we will consider funding, the types of grant available and the application and assessment processes.

The General Guidance Notes should be read in conjunction with the Regional Targeting Plans which explain the priorities for each region.

The application process is in two stages:

Stage 1 – Outline proposal form

All applicants should initially submit a Stage One application form, to provide basic information about your project and organisation. Please read the Stage One Guidance Notes [1.5 MB] on completing this form. We will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days of a fully completed form. A Regional Adviser will then contact you within 20 working days to discuss your project in more detail.

Please note that section 4 (the ‘Declaration Form’) requires original signatures and will need to be posted to us in hard copy form. Photocopies, fax and email versions will not be accepted. We will not begin our assessment until we receive this signed declaration.

If you need help to complete this form or have any particular communication needs, please call:
Changing Spaces Advice Line: 0845 3 671 671

When you are ready to begin making your application, please go to our online system.

Stage 2 – Full application form

If your organisation is eligible to apply and your project is something we might support, the Regional Adviser will tell you how to submit a Stage Two Application Form. You should read carefully the Stage Two Guidance Notes [1.1 MB] which explain how to complete the form. A Grants Officer will assess your application and it will then be considered by the Project Board (for grant applications up to £100,000) or by an Independent Grants Panel (for grant applications over £100,000), who will decide whether to award you a grant.

Incomplete applications

Please ensure that you provide all essential information and supporting documentation with your application, as described in the relevant Guidance Notes. Incomplete applications will be returned to you.

When to apply

You can submit your completed application to us anytime from April 2008 to June 2010, except for Flagship Applications - see Flagship and National Projects Application Deadlines .

Funding decisions will be spread out over three years, so that grants can be awarded through to September 2010. The Project Board will meet every two months to make decisions on grant awards under £100,000. The Independent Grants Panel will meet three times a year to make decisions on grant awards over £100,000.