The grants have been set up to support businesses with their continued recovery from the pandemic, and to encourage them to invest wisely now to create a greener future for the sector. Developing sustainable tourism aligns with the National Forest’s 25-year vision for the Forest to be a place where people and nature can work together to grow a positive future. Through these grants, the National Forest Company would like to support organisations that share this vision and can put forward projects that help to develop the National Forest as a landmark sustainable tourism destination: inspired by the Forest, accessible to everyone, and responsive to the urgency of climate change. Grants are available to support projects that:
- Improve and promote access for all visitors to surrounding woodlands and habitats.
- Strengthen visitor connections with the Forest.
- Protect and enhance nature to improve the visitor experience.
- Raise visitor awareness of the National Forest story and future vision.
We are looking to offer between five and seven grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. Grants can be used to fund between 50% and 70% of total project costs and will require a cash match from either the applicant or from additional sources e.g. other grant funders. Grant offers of more than 50% of total project costs will generally only be considered for exceptional projects or projects that can demonstrate more public benefit – please discuss your project with the NFC team before applying. Who is the scheme aimed at? The grants are open to organisations working in the tourism and hospitality sector who define themselves as any of the following:
- Small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees)
- Local charities, social enterprises, community interest companies
- Projects developed in partnership with any of the ones mentioned on website
Deadline for applying is 31 May 2022.