DEFRA, Natural England and the Environment Agency have jointly launched a new scheme under which organisations can compete for grants totalling £27m to improve the water environment.
The Water Environment Grant scheme will provide £9 million each year over the next three years to applicants applying for funding to restore local eco-systems and deliver substantial benefits to people and the environment. Potential projects could include river restoration activities, removal of obstacles to help fish moving along rivers and streams or actions to improve the water quality.
The scheme is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. It is open to applicants until 11 May 2018. Grants will be determined by the Environment Agency and Natural England and funding will be awarded in August 2018. Successful applicants will be expected to start their projects before March 2019, with completion dates of March 2021.