The Community Access Fund supports local people to carry out capital access improvements to create more inclusive opportunities for people to explore the Dorset National Landscape. The Fund is now closed for applications but will reopen April 2025
If you would like informal advice about your project please contact Julie.hammon@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset National Landscape wants to support a more diverse range of people to engage with their local natural & cultural heritage to help heritage thrive, be more resilient, valued and cared for now and into the future. To achieve this ambition, we will drive forward, support and coordinate the growth of the Nature Buddies Network.
The Nature Buddies Network is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players. With funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and DEFRA supported funding we have been able to launch the Community Access Fund as part of the Nature Buddies Network.
These community grants are for capital access improvements, for increasing the accessibility of local, relevant and enjoyable spaces for all to enjoy, helping people make connections to Dorset National Landscape natural & cultural heritage and each other in local communities.
By supporting communities and tackling inequalities, this funding will enable groups and organisations to undertake projects which help to conserve and enhance the natural beauty in their local area, encourage connections with nature and enhance accessibility to support increased engagement and involvement in community greenspaces.
You may have your own ideas about what makes your area special and what needs to be done – we can offer you some support to help transform your ideas into action.
Improve access through a range of capital projects including practical work such as access enhancements, changing stiles or gates, installing handrails, providing sit spots for people to enjoy watching nature or improving access to nature sites in communities, research projects, partnership development and training.
We are particularly keen to encourage projects that link to our key priorities:
Projects don’t necessarily need to be within the Dorset National Landscape boundary but must benefit the area and meet the aims of the fund.
We would particularly like to hear from communities in Poole Central, Mid Dorset, Weymouth, Portland, Wimborne, Ferndown, and Purbeck.
The Dorset National Landscape – Community Access Fund will support community groups, VCSE organisations, or groups from the public, private or voluntary sectors, within or outside the Dorset National Landscape boundary.
At the application stage, there are conditions that apply – our Terms & Conditions and also our Privacy Policy. If your project is successful, there will also be conditions that you will have to abide by to ensure the Fund is used in the best way for its intended purpose.
We have £15,000 in the Community Capital Access Fund this year.
A typical grant is likely to be in the region of £2,ooo – £5000 but we are open to considering larger projects where there is a significant proportion of capital expenditure.
The fund can support up to 50% of the costs of most projects or 75% if you are a voluntary group or charity. The Fund cannot be matched by Exchequer funds – i.e. money from a Government department or agency (e.g. Natural England, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission etc.). In-kind contributions and volunteer time can be used as match funding; the amounts can be found on the application form.
We do not fund projects that support direct commercial transactions for financial gain.
You can find the Application Form (to be completed alongside the guidance notes), Finance Form and Terms & Conditions below.
The Fund is currently closed but will reopen April 2025 but please contact us anytime for an informal discussion if more information is needed.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Dorset National Landscape team and we may contact you to ask for additional supporting information. In mid-October a panel of experts will meet to consider all the applications we have received. We will let you know if your application has been successful or not soon after this, no later than the end of TBC.
Please remember we are unable to fund works retrospectively. Grants are paid upon project completion upon submission of suitable evidence.
We are very happy to talk with you about your project ideas, either over the phone or online. To talk or arrange a meeting, please contact Julie Hammon Dorset National Landscape Health & Wellbeing Project Coordinator or Kate Townsend, Dorset National Landscape Project Support Officer.
Grant funding
Supporting farmers and land managers
