£18 Million Grant Launched to Save England’s Rarest Wildlife
Natural England unveiled a massive new £18 million grant scheme today (Monday 3rd April) aimed at protecting England’s most endangered species from extinction.
Species in the Spotlight
The Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme targets iconic creatures like the lady’s slipper orchid, water vole, natterjack toad, wartbiter cricket, and curlew. These precious species could soon get a vital boost through dedicated conservation funding.
How the Scheme Works
The two-year programme will fund habitat creation and improvement, conservation translocations (moving native at-risk species to safer areas), cutting-edge research, and innovative projects to halt population decline.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “England’s wildlife faces massive threats. Nearly 40% of species are in decline, and 15% risk disappearing completely. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species are all to blame. But we can turn this around. The reappearance of the large blue butterfly in Cotswolds grasslands, red kites soaring over the Chiltern Hills, bitterns making a comeback in East Anglia, and white-tailed eagles returning to the South Coast show what’s possible with the right support. This new funding will back the crucial collaborative work needed to put Nature back on track.”
Who Can Apply?
Environmental charities, local councils, protected landscapes, research institutions, and more can now apply for grants to help vulnerable species rebound and restore vital habitats across England.
This fund underpins the Government’s pledge to halt species decline and prevent extinction by 2042. It also supports building a Nature Recovery Network to create thriving wildlife habitats for future generations.
Track Record of Success
- Bitterns: Thanks to intense reedbed restoration, booming male bitterns shot up from just 11 to over 200 in 20 years — a record not seen in England for over two centuries.
- Fen raft spider: Once found at only three UK sites, this species has been recovering since 1991 thanks to water quality improvements and captive breeding reintroductions.
Natural England is now inviting applications focused on saving the most at-risk land, freshwater, and marine species. For full details and how to apply, visit the Natural England blog.
