PROJECTS that connect people in Northern Ireland with nature can now apply for a cash boost. 

The Strategic Strand of the Environment Fund has been opened for applications, with not-for-profit organisations and councils among those urged to get involved. 

Groups can apply if they are delivering key environmental outcomes across the country, including: 

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  • Measures to tackle specific threats to the natural environment such as invasive non-native species, wildfires and ammonia
  • Feasibility studies and development of strategic plans for future large scale delivery of environmental outcomes to fill a gap in need.
  • Projects to support ecosystem assessment, mapping, modelling and reporting to inform the design and delivery of effective, coherent nature networks and the development of decision making tools for policies, plans and programmes

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “The passion of the organisations improving our environment is growing year on year and I have seen at first hand the levels of partnership working and volunteer enthusiasm within the sector.

"I have been highly impressed by the work that they do, which is contributing to the safeguarding and improvement of our precious environment for future generations.

“The Environment Fund will help us to continue to deliver DAERA’s strategic aims and those in the Programme for Government. 

Forestry Journal: Edwin Poots Edwin Poots (Image: NI)

"It enables environmental organisations to improve the condition of our habitats and species and build their resilience to climate change; support green growth and the preservation of our peatlands; improve the quality of fresh and coastal waters; enhance health and well-being through provision of access; and increase the understanding and appreciation and engagement with our environment. I wish them all success in this new competition.”

Further information, including guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/environment-fund.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on 8 November.