Natural England - How to apply
How to apply
Please note that due to the high volume of applications being received, there may be a delay in acknowledging receipt of your application.
Please allow at least 10 working days before enquiring about your application. Applications will be dealt with in strict order of receipt and will be processed accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation
Before applying for funding for your project, please read the General Guidance Notes [1.7 MB] 
and top tips 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 £250,000) or by an Independent Grants Panel (for grant applications over £250,000), 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
The deadline for Stage 1 applications for Access to Nature is 9am Monday 01 February 2010. Any applications received after that time will not be accepted. Please note that signed Stage 1 declaration forms must be posted to us on Monday 1st February at the latest, and be received in our Peterborough office by 5pm on Wednesday 3rd February 2010.
The deadline for Stage 2 applications for Access to Nature is 9am Tuesday 04 May 2010 and any applications submitted or received after that time will not be accepted. Please note that signed Stage 2 declaration forms must be posted to us on Tuesday 4th May 2010 and be received in our Peterborough office by 5pm on Thursday 6th May 2010.
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 six to eight weeks to make decisions on grant awards under £250,000. The Independent Grants Panel will normally meet three times a year to make decisions on grant awards over £250,000.
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The following are some ‘top tips’ that we have gathered from across the Access to Nature team to help those of you who are in the process of applying. We hope you find these useful. If you wish to discuss any of these further, please contact your regional or national adviser.