Grants of up to £1,000 are available to UK schools, charities and community groups to engage young people aged 16 and under with nature.
The Linnean Society’s “Our Local Nature Grants” is an annual programme providing small grants for innovative projects across the UK that are designed and led by young people aged 16 and under.
Projects should increase access to local natural spaces and encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of local nature and biodiversity. Winning applications will be selected by a panel of young people from across the UK who are aged 16-18.
In 2026, alongside the national programme, projects in London will be supported by the Mayor of London through the Green Roots Fund and will be part of Our Local Nature Grants – London Wave, which can also support blue infrastructure (ie water-based networks and natural or engineered water management systems that protect, handle, and move water to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits).
Examples of eligible projects include (please note this is not an exclusive list):
- Building or restoring a community garden.
- Creating a nature walk.
- Hiring a speaker to come and talk about local foraging.
- Painting community murals showcasing biodiversity in the area, and
- Running a school festival about nature.
Grants up to £1,000 are available. Matched funding is not a requirement. However, the Society is happy for its grants to be used as matched funding to help draw down additional funding for a project. Projects should take place in 2027.
Grants can be used for things like (again, this is not an exclusive list):
- Audio visual hire
- Costs related to staging activities or events
- Materials
- Project specific staff costs
- Publicity
- Room hire
- Speakers, and
- Volunteer expenses
Please note that more than 50% of the grant cannot be used for refreshments or project specific staff costs.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Linnean Society website.
The deadline for applications is 11:45pm on Sunday 25 October 2026, with successful applicants expected to be notified in early December 2026.
Projects should commence in January 2027 at the earliest.