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Expression of Interest

Full application

At Big Chalk, we know nature recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when
people, places and partnerships come together — with shared purpose, ambition,
and a commitment to act at pace and, collectively, at scale. That’s what the Big
Chalk Nature Recovery Fund is here to support.
This is a capital grants programme designed to back practical action that restores,
connects and strengthens wildlife across the chalk and limestone landscapes of
southern England.
We support capital projects from £1,000 community-led habitat improvements right
through to larger awards of £75,000+ for projects that contribute to transformational,
landscape-scale recovery. Whether it’s restoring chalk or limestone grassland,
creating stepping stones for wildlife, improving streams and rivers, or reconnecting
fragmented habitats, every project plays a part in building a bigger, more resilient
nature network.
All projects must be completed by 31 March 2027 — keeping delivery focused,
urgent and grounded in action.
We are working towards a clear and urgent ambition: at least 30% of land effectively
managed for nature by 2030. This fund is one of the ways we turn that ambition into
action — supporting projects that deliver real, visible and lasting benefits for nature,
people and place. It recognises nature recovery needs both the everyday and the
exceptional: local projects that build momentum and stewardship, alongside strategic
investment that improves whole landscapes for nature.
Funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership and supported by Defra, the
Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund brings together landowners, farmers, communities,
conservation organisations and local councils and partnerships. It reflects a simple
belief: when we act together, we go further, faster.
And that’s why the fund is designed to work at every scale.