Other available funding
A range of funding is available from local authorities, charities, organisations, and partnerships for various projects. While this may not be specifically targeted at farmers, many of these projects promote sustainable farming practices. This page brings together opportunities that may be relevant to farmers across Portsmouth Waters supply area for hedgerows, pond work and enhancing biodiversity.
Please note: funding windows may be limited and not available year-round. We aim to keep this page updated with the latest opportunities.
Explore below to find out more and apply!
South Downs National Park
The SDNPA have a range of funding opportunities through their Nature Recovery Fund. These funds open and close according to the seasonal calendar so please so be sure to check when applications are expected to open. If you would like anymore information or want to register you interest in any of the nature recovery programmes below, please contact Miriam Swan (01730 819223, grants@southdowns.gov.uk).
Beelines
Applications open late November
This initiative is working with landowners across the South Downs to plant wildflower corridors to connect pockets of species-rich chalk grassland to sites which are in need of pollination.
This funds costs associated with establishing or restoring pollinator habitat. For example, the cost of wildflower seed, equipment, cut and collect mowing services or machinery hire etc and also for infrastructure to support conservation grazing projects on farms.
Trees for Downs fund
Applications open late November
This initiative is working with landowners across the South Downs to plant wildflower corridors to connect pockets of species-rich chalk grassland to sites which are in need of pollination.
This funds costs associated with establishing or restoring pollinator habitat. For example, the cost of wildflower seed, equipment, cut and collect mowing services or machinery hire etc and also for infrastructure to support conservation grazing projects on farms.
Applications will open again in 2026
This funding supports land owners and managers to create and manage ponds for biodiversity. They are seeking to create and restore 100 ponds across Hampshire and Sussex before 2030.
Grants of up to £25,000 will be made towards capital expenditure. Applications will be judged on their proposed outcomes for biodiversity, value for money, ongoing management of the site as well as community outcomes. To apply it is recommended to seek guidance from the SDNP to strengthen the proposal.
ReNature
Applications will open again in 2026
ReNature funding supports land owners, land managers and community organisations to create new nature sites, and to manage existing sites better for biodiversity. Projects could create wildflower meadows, heathland, hedgerow, areas managed as chalk grassland, more natural rivers or dewponds.
To apply it is recommended to seek guidance from the SDNP to strengthen the proposal.
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust provide funding and expert advice to farmers and landowners for tree planting They offer a number of funding opportunities detailed below. Please visit their webpage for more details and how to apply to the schemes.
For enquires and to receive updates about any of the below schemes email plant@woodlandtrust.org.uk
MOREhedges
Applications reopen for 1st March - 31st October 2026
This grant is to create ecological links between woodlands. The scheme covers up to 75% of the cost if you plant 100m or more of new hedging and allow a large tree to grow every 6m. The Woodland Trust provides that trees, tree protection and expert advice. This grant is not for replanting or gapping up existing hedgerows.
MOREwoods
Applications reopen for 1st March - 3-th November 2026
This funding is to create new habitat and wildlife across the UK. Where 500+ trees are planted on at least half a hectare, the Woodland Trust will visit, help deisgn and create bespoke species mixes, supply the trees & protection and cover up to 75% of costs for your woodland. They will also arrange and cover up to 60% of costs for a contractor to plant trees for woodlands over 1ha.
Trees for your Farm
Open year round & currently accepting applications for planting between Nov 2026 and March 2027
Funding to plant 500+ trees to improve productivity and the environment on your farm. Funding of up to 100% of costs is available for agroforestry schemes, including a site visit and tree planting assessment. Expert advisors work closely to plan and design your bespoke agroforestry scheme so applying early is recommended to allow time for this.
The Tree Council
3 Million Trees Project with National Highways
Opens late November
This grant is to create ecological links between woodlands. The scheme covers up to 75% of the cost if you plant 100m or more of new hedging and allow a large tree to grow every 6m. The Woodland Trust provides that trees, tree protection and expert advice. This grant is not for replanting or gapping up existing hedgerows.
For enquires and to receive reminders when it opens email plant@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Network Rail Fund
Currently available
This funding is to create new habitat and wildlife across the UK. Where 500+ trees are planted on at least half a hectare, the Woodland Trust will visit, help deisgn and create bespoke species mixes, supply the trees & protection and cover up to 75% of costs for your woodland. They will also arrange and cover up to 60% of costs for a contractor to plant trees for woodlands over 1ha.
Please email plant@woodlandtrust.org.uk or call 0330 333 5303 for more information.
Branching Out Fund
Currently closed
This funding supports community tree planting across the UK. Funding can be on private land but the grants are focussed on community benefits and would therefore need to satisfy this criteria. Funding is available for between £250 and £2,500 per application
Hampshire Forest Partnership
Shoot along the Roots
Currently closed
This grant aims to establish miles of green networks across Hampshire to enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience with the goal to plant 1 million trees by 2050. The grant supplies trees, whips and suitable protection to create hedgerows and improve existing ones as well as individual tree planting outside of woodland areas. The funding is open to farmers and landowners.
For enquires email treeplanting@hants.gov.uk
Disease Resistant Elm
Currently closed
The English countryside was once dominated by elms, but since the 60s they have been ravaged by Dutch elm disease. The Hampshire Forest Partnership are trialling several different elm varieties that will hopefully resist the disease and establish well. They are offering free trees to farmers, landowenrs and other organisations to plant across Hampshire.
For enquires email treeplanting@hants.gov.uk
Chichester District Council
Chichester District Council have a couple of grants available to farmers and landowners for biodiversity improvements. To find out more about the biodiversity work they do please follow the link on the button. Below are some details about the funding opportunities they have available
Tree Scheme
Applications closed for 2025
This funding offers free trees and support materials (such as tree protection and mulch) to plant trees outside of woodlands. If you are a farmer or landowners in Chichester district and are interested in funding for trees please get in touch with treescheme@chichester.gov.uk.
Strategic Wildlife Corridors Project
Currently available
This project has identified seven strategic wildlife corridors connecting areas of the SDNP to Chichester Harbour with the aim to enhance and restore habitats within these corridors. Funding is available to land owners and managers within and around these areas for projects that enhance wildlife such as hedging, ponds and habitat management. To find out if your land is within these corridors and options for your land please contact wildlifecorridor@chichester.gov.uk
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), is a charge on new developments that allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds to invest in local infrastructure. Developers and landowners pay CIL when they start a development and this is collected by local authorities (such as councils) to fund infrastructure projects. CIL funds must be used for infrastructure that benefits the wider community, such as transport improvements, community facilities, parks & green spaces and environmental improvements
Funding is distributed by local district and town councils and, in some areas, organisations like the South Downs National Park. While councils have flexibility in how they allocate CIL, spending must align with local infrastructure priorities and development plans. Although CIL is not specifically targeted at farmers or landowners, they may be eligible if their proposed project meets these objectives and benefits the community. For example, the SDNP have funded water neutrality and nitrate mitigation measure on farmland in the past.
To check your eligability and apply for this funding, please contact your local authority.