Environmental improvement grants scheme

Over the past 50 years the FLD has contributed towards over 150 projects throughout the county, from school nature areas to major woodland creation projects. Preference is usually given to projects in rural areas (except those Cumbrian parishes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park), but projects involving environmental education in urban surroundings are also considered.

FLD grants throughout Cumbria. Here volunteers carry out footpath repair work at Curwen Park in Workington grant-aided by FLD in 1995.

The types of projects which have received grant-aid in recent years include:

Provision for public access and enjoyment in the countryside including work on footpaths
Tree planting and landscaping schemes using native species.
Drystone walling and hedging
The creation of environmental areas in school grounds
Enhancement of village ponds and streams and similar local community projects. The restoration of important local historic features.

The Three Shires stone, an historic landmark at the summit of Wrynose Pass, restored with the help of an FLD grant in 1998

Consideration of Applications

All grant applications are referred to the Executive Committee which meets every month except in August. Applications are assessed against a series of guidelines and where necessary further information may be requested. A representative of FLD will normally visit the site or scheme and will be pleased to have an informal discussion of the proposals.

Lutterburn Moss in the Winster Valley. In 1995 FLD provided a grant of £10,000 to help create a new native woodland.

Guidelines for Applicants

Browse through previous grants awarded to see the kind of projects that we may support. Applications for grant aid will be considered with reference to the following:

How will the proposed scheme meet the charitable objectives of the FLD? These are "To promote and organise concerted action for the protection and conservation of the landscape and natural beauty of the Lake District and Cumbria as a whole."
What level of community involvement is there in the scheme?
How does the scheme provide long-term benefit to the public?

The built environment is also part of the landscape.In 1998 FLD pledged £5000 to carry out repairs to Holmrook Hall Bridge, near Irton, a Grade II listed structure

In addition, applicants may wish to bear in mind the following:

Structural or maintenance work on village halls or similar buildings is unlikely to be supported, although associated landscaping will be considered.
Plants, trees and shrubs should preferably consist of native species appropriate to the site.
Schemes which reflect local distinctiveness or vernacular traditions will be encouraged.
Projects involving strong elements of environmental education will be favourably considered.
FLD is sympathetic to the creation of new native woodland
Staffing costs associated with the running of projects are not eligible

School children at Seascale Primary School in their wildflower garden granted-aided with £300 in 1997

Applicants are asked to supply a grid reference for the location of the project and any maps, photographs or drawings which would assist the Executive Committee in considering the application.

If the FLD awards a grant it will normally be by way of a pledge until the scheme is underway or complete. FLD would also wish to discuss how its contribution will be recognised, either through media coverage or other publicity and would be pleased to arrange for an official presentation of a cheque.

Dog Kennel Wood tree nursery, an ambitious project to cultivate stocks of local providence trees to help preserve the genetic integrity of Lake District woodlands, grant-aided by £1250 in 1996

The Executive Committee reviews this grant scheme annually and from time to time may wish to revise the policy and/or priorities for grant aid.

Download an application form (microsoft word document)

Download a form (pdf format)