Charities are being urged to apply for £40m in funding to ‘kick-start the nation’s green recovery’ from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is being distributed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) on behalf of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It is open to charities and partnerships that include at least one environmental charity with projects that are ready to start.

Grants of between £50,000 and £5m are being made available for projects involving nature conservation and restoration, tackling the impact of climate change or connecting people with nature.

The fund is being distributed by the NLHF in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

It aims to create up to 3,000 jobs, such as ecologists and education workers, as well as safeguard up to 2,000 existing jobs.

“Projects will be favoured that create or retain jobs, providing opportunities and benefits for all ages, including young people. Projects from both rural, urban and inshore marine areas are welcomed,” said the NLHF.

Grants of up to £250,000 must be submitted by midday on 2 October. For applications for grants above this figure there is a two-step process, with initial expressions of interest required by midday on 24 September.

NLHF chief executive Ros Kerslake said: “I am delighted that we are distributing the Green Recovery Challenge Fund on behalf of Defra.

“We are committed to supporting the nature and environment sector quickly and effectively through this fund.”

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