Opening for Applications 1st October 2025
About the Fund
Our vision is that the Lake District will be an example of sustainable development in action. A place where its prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences and vibrant communities come together to sustain the spectacular landscape, its wildlife and cultural heritage. We want to support projects that help us to achieve this vision.
Hedgerows are vital habitats that support wildlife, help combat climate change and mitigate flooding due to climate change. But sadly, we’ve lost half of the UK’s hedgerows since World War II.
The Real Hedge Fund aims to grow, improve and celebrate the importance of hedgerows for the environment and cultural heritage of the Lake District. Thanks to generous donations from the public and from trusts and grants, we now have £7,500 available. Up to £1000 per project is available.
What we can support:
- Hedgerow creation and improvement (flood mitigation projects will be prioritised)
- Projects that increase understanding and appreciation of hedgerows and woodlands (such as citizen science and education projects)
Who is eligible:
- Businesses
- Individuals
- Schools
- Constituted and unconstituted groups including CICs and CIOs
We will not fund:
- Work that has already taken place
- Activity that is already funded
- Planting non-native species
- Projects that deliver no benefit to the environment
CRITERIA 1 – Hedgerow creation
- Hedgerow should be between 50-100m long
- Minimum of 60% Hawthorne and 40% local appropriate species must be used
- Minimum of 5 plants per metre must be planted
- Double or single fenced planting scheme
- Applications should demonstrate a commitment to maintenance
- Guidance costs:
-
- Hedge laying – £18 per metre
- Hedge copiccing – £8.30 per metre
- Hedge planting (6 plants per metre) – £13.46
CRITERIA 2 – Hedgerow understanding and celebration
- Projects should increase understanding of or celebration of hedgerows for example surveys of existing hedgerows or events that raise awareness about their importance.
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA – All projects
- Projects must take place in Cumbria
- Commitment to provide follow up reports
- Willing to allow at least one site visit over the next 10 years
- Willing to host knowledge sharing visits for public or interested parties
- Environmental value can be evidenced
- Activity is not to be “doubled funded”, the proposal is not to be covered by an existing stewardship or grant funding scheme
- Match funding is allowed and recommended
- Projects that are inclusive and allow volunteers from the community to be involved are preferred
Timeline and Process
- Wednesday 1st October 2025 9am – Open for applications
- Wednesday 22nd October 2025 5pm – Close for applications
- Wednesday 22nd October – Grant panel meeting
- Wednesday 22nd October – Decision letters issued
- Work to be completed and monitoring forms submitted by 31st March 2026
All applications that meet the criteria will be reviewed by the grants panel. The panel will consider the applications and decide which projects to approve and the size of the grant to be awarded, if applicable.
The panel is made up of a representative of the Lake District Foundation, a trustee from the Board.
Funding decisions are final. We will provide individual feedback where possible but this may not happen if a large volume of applications is received.
How to apply
Applications for funding must be made using the online form.
If you need any support with the application process please contact: [email protected], call: 07497816091 or write to us Unit 4, Wayfaring House, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7RL
Terms of funding
Funding will be conditional upon the recipient agreeing to the grant conditions. These will include a requirement for the applicant to provide details of progress against set targets.
Funding will not be provided if doing so would damage the name or reputation of the Fund, or if the Trustees have other good grounds for refusing funding.
Funding will be provided to allow for activity to be carried out between November 2025 and March 2026.
100% of the total grant will be paid in advance of activity.
Successful applicants will be required to help communicate and promote The Lake District Foundation’s support.
For further information, please email [email protected]. We will attempt to reply to all enquiries and may post FAQs on our website.
