Westmorland and Furness Council unveiled the fund on November 28 aiming to restore local nature.
The money will be allocated to projects that help one or more priority species recover or control and eliminate invasive non-native species as listed in the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
It will also support pollinators across the region.
Grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 will be offered to organisations and partnerships, covering full or partial project costs.
The fund aims to restore, enhance, create, or connect habitats for pollinators and priority species identified in the LNRS.
It will also support initiatives for removing invasive non-native species and conducting research to inform future species recovery efforts.
It will also go towards habitat enhancement, restoration, and creation works, purchasing and installing swift boxes, bat boxes, and trail cameras, conducting baseline surveys, purchasing equipment for direct removal of invasive non-native species, reintroducing pollinators or priority species to former habitats, supporting existing populations, and researching and developing projects for adapting to environmental changes.
Applications are now open until January 30, 2026.
Eligible organisations and groups are encouraged to apply for funding to help drive forward species recovery across the area.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for climate, biodiversity, and environmental services, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Nature Recovery Fund which will enable local organisations and partnerships to take meaningful action for nature.
“This fund reflects the council’s commitment to being ‘ecologically aware,’ one of our core values, and to leading the way towards becoming carbon net zero while protecting and enhancing our natural environment for future generations.
“Supporting the recovery of priority species and pollinators is key to delivering our Nature Strategy and Cumbria’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, helping us to create a more resilient and biodiverse Westmorland and Furness.”
He also highlighted the collective necessity of nature restoration and urged organisations with impactful projects to apply for the fund.
He said: “Everyone has a role to play in nature recovery.
“Nature restoration will only be possible through a huge collective effort across our communities, involving the public and private sectors, landowners, voluntary organisations, and local residents working together to create connected habitats and thriving ecosystems that benefit everyone.
“We encourage any organisation or partnership with a project that can make a real difference to apply and be part of restoring the natural balance of our local ecosystems.”
