Grants are now available for farmers in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) for projects which contribute to nature recovery. The West of England Combined Authority is funding a £360,000 grant pot delivered by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART). Individual landowners can apply for up to £20,000.

Overview

  • £360,000 grant pot delivered by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART), funded by the West of England Combined Authority
  • Up to £20,000 per landowner
  • 50% up front – 50% upon completion
  • Project should be complete within 12 months of first payment, or by June 2026 – whichever occurs sooner.

Eligibility

  • Land must be within the Chew, Cam, Wellow, or Somer River catchments
  • Land must be within the Local Authority areas or Bath and North East Somerset, if land is within the above river catchments but outside this area, contact BART to discuss.
  • Must have consent of the landowner
  • Projects can’t be entered into Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for 10 years
Map of the Chew, Cam, Wellow and Somer River Catchments

Grant process

  1. Consider nature-based solutions for your land
  2. Contact BART or other advisor for a site visit, discussion and advice
  3. Complete grant form and submit to BART
  4. Grant forms reviewed by steering group
  5. Combined Authority carry out due-diligence checks
  6. Grant awarded on condition that permissions (if required) are in place
  7. 50% of grant money enters your bank account
  8. Carry out work – 12 months to complete (or by June 2026)
  9. Submit evidence of project spend to BART
  10. BART or other advisor will check work is completed and report to Combined Authority
  11. Remaining 50% paid (or remainder of funds up to the total project cost)
Download grant application form

Further details

  • The funding can cover consultation, design, permissions, contractors, materials & labour
  • BART are here to help with all aspects of the grant, including project delivery
  • Grants will be awarded on best value for biodiversity, water quality & flood management
  • Preference will be given to projects that are not funded elsewhere
  • If your application is unsuccessful, you will be told why
  • You can work with other advisors or by yourself
  • Grant can be used together with match funding from other grants
  • Projects can be entered into Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI)
  • No minimum size of land necessary

Contact Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to find out more:

Robert Bamford, Senior Farm Advisor

rob@bristolavonriverstrust.org

 

Philippa Gist, Farm Advisor

philippa@bristolavonriverstrust.org