Now in its fourth round, the programme aims to build a stronger, more resilient network of protected sites, from mountainous uplands to underwater seagrass meadows. 

Applications are open for grants from £50,000 to £1m for projects that can rise to ecological challenges and help people and species to thrive. 

If you're an individual, organisation or community working with natural heritage in Wales with an idea for boosting nature’s resilience and helping communities, we want to hear from you.

But you'll need to act quickly. For applications from £50,00 to £250,000 you must submit a Project Enquiry by 22 July 2024. For applications between £250,000 and £1m you must submit an Expression of Interest by 16 August 2024. 

To find out more, explore the application guidance and register for our free Nature Networks Fund webinar on Thursday 11 July at 10am.

Increasing nature's resilience 

We’re delivering the Nature Networks Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales

Ruth Jenkins, Head of Natural Resource Management Policy at Natural Resources Wales said: “We are in a nature emergency with biodiversity in decline. But we also recognise that nature is the foundation stone of Wales’ wellbeing – supporting community cohesion and resilience, strong local economies, employment, learning and mental and physical health. And this is why restoring and increasing nature’s resilience is so crucial."

Success stories

Since 2021, we’ve distributed over £26m through the Nature Networks Fund to projects that are strengthening natural heritage and restoring habitats at risk, including:

• Project Seagrass which is working to preserve, protect, and restore seagrass meadows – a crucial component of healthy coastal landscapes and marine ecosystems. 
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Cysylltu Natur 25x25 which aims to significantly boost nature recovery across 25% of the park’s northern section by 2025.
• The Canal and River Trust's Luronium Futures project, which improved the condition of a Welsh stretch of the Montgomery canal which is home to rare plants.
• ZSL (Zoological Society of London) and Bangor University who are restoring native oyster habitats in Conwy Bay to improve marine biodiversity and re-connect people with their coastal heritage. 

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said: “Seeing the impact and transformation first hand as a result of working alongside The Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales continues to inspire me.

“We have a wonderful array of landscapes, from our imposing mountains and ancient woodlands, to roaring waterfalls and breathtaking coastline. It brings me great joy to be able to continue to play our part in protecting and restoring Wales’ natural heritage with this latest round of Nature Networks funding.”

Our support for Welsh heritage

Since 1994, we’ve investment over £500m in more than 3,400 projects across Wales. Explore projects near you or find inspiration for your own application.