Key points:
- 11 projects across Wales have received grants from the Nature Networks Fund
- Funding supports diverse initiatives from marine mammal protection to butterfly conservation and bat habitat preservation
- Projects emphasise community engagement and training in environmental monitoring and protection
The Welsh Government has announced £2.7m ($3.3m) in funding for 11 environmental conservation projects through the Nature Networks Fund.
The grants, capped at £250,000 per project, will support initiatives spanning from marine life protection to butterfly conservation across Wales.
Among the recipients, The Cetacean Monitoring Unit of Sea Watch Foundation received £249,000 to enhance the protection of bottlenose dolphin habitats in Cardigan Bay and Caernarfon Bay. The project includes community training programs to expand annual dolphin population surveys in these critical breeding areas.
Butterfly Conservation secured £249,995 to study the Large Heath Butterfly population and its relationship with bog restoration efforts.
The Bat Conservation Trust was awarded £245,099 to evaluate temperate rainforest environments in North Wales and monitor threatened bat species, while Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority received £224,487 to establish a collaborative biodiversity management program on Manor Penderyn Common.
The initiative – managed in partnership with Natural Resources Wales – reflects the Welsh Government's desire to address environmental challenges.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between organisations and communities in tackling these natural challenges, stating: “I am so pleased 11 more projects will benefit from a share of £2.7m Welsh Government funding through the Nature Networks Fund.
“We are committed to tackling the nature emergency, working together with organisations and people right across the country. This partnership between Welsh Government, the Heritage Fund and Natural Resources Wales is key to making positive change for people and nature across Wales.”
This conservation funding follows recent heritage preservation efforts across the UK, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund's £27m allocation to restore seven historic sites earlier this year.
