Scotland’s landscapes and biodiversity are getting a boost, thanks to the efforts of local communities leading the charge in ecosystem restoration with funding from the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund.
The second round of the fund has awarded £200,000 to 16 ambitious community-led projects that will breathe new life into local environments across Scotland.
The Fund is a collective philanthropic effort made possible thanks to funding by the Carman Family Foundation, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is managed by NatureScot, and others, and is managed and administered by Inspiring Scotland.
The 16 funded projects span 12 of Scotland’s local authority areas, covering both rural and urban landscapes. Each initiative reflects a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration, combining scientific research, community engagement, and strategic conservation planning.
Bill Carman of the Carman Family Foundation said:
“Since its launch in 2024, the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund has injected over £360,000 into Scotland’s local environment, supporting a total of 30 community-led initiatives that drive meaningful restoration. Rooted in their communities, local groups are uniquely positioned to design ambitious projects which can have a lasting positive impact. Our vision for the fund is to expand opportunities for this vital, community-led work.”
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said:
“The level of demand for the fund demonstrates the continuing enthusiasm for and need to support early-stage development in local nature restoration initiatives. We are pleased to be partnering with funders who are committed to empowering communities by funding the development stages of locally-based ecosystem restoration.”
Iain Sime, NatureScot Head of Funding, said:
“It’s fantastic to see a further 16 community-led nature restoration projects being supported to take positive action for nature and climate. The breadth of work is impressive, from enhancing urban greenspaces and upskilling the community workforce to tackling invasive species and regenerating woodlands, the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund offers vital early-stage funding to help communities turn their great ideas into reality. We’re so pleased to be able to support this work through the Nature Restoration Fund.”
Vicki Connick, Blackwood Estate Community Association, said:
“NEF’s funding award for our habitat management plans is a transformative opportunity for both our charity and wider community of Blackwood, Kirkmuirhill and Boghead. This professional support will enhance our ongoing conservation efforts, improve our educational work, foster greater community engagement and make a lasting positive impact on our environment.”
Blackwood Estate. Image by Clyde River Foundation
Fiona L’Estrange, Chair of Gallan Head Community Trust, said:
“We live in a particular fragile and at times quite harsh environment. As custodians of this land we feel it important to ensure our native ecosystem is looked after. Recently we have developed a big problem with invasive non-native plants spreading. Your funding is so appreciated in helping us tackle this problem. The whole community are very appreciative and hope that this assistance can go a long way to eradicate this issue.”
Gallan-Head Headland – Aird village
Linda Coe, Chair of the Anagach Woods Trust said:
“We are delighted that the Inspiring Scotland Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund has awarded this grant. The funding will be used for “train the trainer” courses to ensure safe equipment use, thereby empowering volunteers to lead efforts in ecosystem restoration in the Anagach Woods. This collective community endeavour will nurture biodiversity, community engagement, and resilience against climate change, supporting both nature and local well-being.”
Volunteer work party creating wetland habitat in pine woodland, Anagach Woods, Cairngorms National Park, February 2025
The second round of the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund allocated over £200,000, including £177,804 in direct grants, empowering communities to implement research, planning, and restoration initiatives. An additional £24,000 will help successful applicants bolster their fundraising efforts, ensuring these vital projects continue to thrive.
The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund may reopen for applications in the future, subject to funding availability. To stay updated, follow news from Inspiring Scotland and subscribe to our newsletter.
For organisations and individuals keen to invest in community-led ecosystem restoration, the Fund welcomes funding partners. Reach out to nature@inspiringscotland.org.uk to explore opportunities to support Scotland’s environmental future.
View the full list of projects funded through the second round of Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund here.
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