The Wild About Devon 2025 Grants are open now. Find information below that should help with your grant application (and your wider work supporting community action for nature!) and then apply here.
In this year’s funding round, small grants up to £300 will be awarded. Applications will close on 12th September 2025. The panel will review all applications during September with successful applicants being awarded their grant by the end of September. Follow up reports to demonstrate your project is complete will be required by the end of March 2026. Please note we love to share good news of successful projects to help inspire others, so if possible do provide photos that we can use on social media and the WAD website.
Please be aware we are always oversubscribed and are unable to support all applications, even if they meet our criteria. Find information about how to apply effectively below, as well as further information on planning and accessing support for your project.
Key details to include in your application:
- Tell us about your project, including why it’s needed, what you’ll be doing, and how you’ll be following it up in the future
- Tell us how it helps nature – explain which habitats or species will benefit, and why your chosen project is the best option for your local patch
- Tell us how it engages people – will they be involved in delivery, will it help them access nature or understand more?
- Keep your answers clear and concise – we’re very happy with bullet points!
- Budget – we’re happy to fund an element of a larger project so you can tell us your total project cost and then break down what you’re asking us for
- Give us some details, for example where you’ll be sourcing materials, who is advising you, what skills you have etc. See below for useful information.
Who do we fund?
We consider applications from community groups in the Devon Local Nature Partnership area. This includes not for profit clubs, registered charities, CICs, Parish and Town Councils, church groups, schools and PTFAs. Previous applicants may apply.
What do we fund?
We will consider applications that demonstrate community action for nature, projects that clearly demonstrate a benefit to local wildlife and demonstrate community involvement or benefit. We can fund whole projects or a specific element of a larger project. Applications will need to demonstrate a planned budget (showing how shortfalls will be met) and a clear timeline for delivering the project (preferably by March 2026).
What we don’t fund:
- Non-native planting, including bulbs (unless you have a very clear reason, like adapting to climate change!)
- Poorly-sourced wildflower seeds or trees (some retail wildflower packs can be inappropriate for Devon habitats, so do double check)
- Tree planting projects – these are adequately supported by numerous organisations across Devon. If you are planning to plant trees, hedgerows, orchards please apply elsewhere first, before applying to us
- Purely garden projects without obvious wildlife benefit
- Beekeeping projects
- School trips (although we are happy to support wildlife projects in schools)
- Projects in Plymouth do not fall under the Devon LNP and therefore are not eligible
Other funding to look at:
To hear about the latest grants and community funding sign up to: Welcome to Devon Funding News – Devon Funding News. Devon Wildlife Trust also has a useful funding opportunities page. An ongoing opportunity is the National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All: Environment Grants Programme.
Useful links and information:
The below links may be useful in planning your project. Wild About Devon cannot guarantee the accuracy of external information. If you have suggestions for other useful links, please do send them to bridie.devonnature@gmail.com
Equipment:
NHBS – Wildlife, Ecology & Conservation
Trees:
Moor Trees
Woodland Trust
Devon Wildlife Trust: Saving Devon’s Treescapes
People’s Trust for Endangered Species – Orchards
People’s Trust for Endangered Species – Hedgerows
Devon Hedge Group (advice)
Wildflowers:
Devon Based: Goren Farm Seeds
Emorsgate Seeds
Meadowmania UK
Moor Meadows advice
Plantlife – Managing Meadows
Verges – Life on the Verge in Devon
Verges – Life on the Verge – Tarka Country Trust
Wildlife Gardens:
Devon Wildlife Trust – Gardening for Wildlife
RHS Wildlife Gardening
Ponds:
RHS Gardening – Wildlife Pond
The Wildlife Trusts – How to build a pond
Nest boxes dimensions or supplier:
British Trust for Ornithology – Make your own guides
Hedgehogs
RSPB – Build a Hedgehog House
RSPB Shop – Buy Hedgehog Houses
Bats
Bat Conservation Trust – Bat Box Information Pack
The Wildlife Trusts – How to build a bat box