The Biodiversity Investment Fund

The Phase 2a Biodiversity Investment Fund (BIF) is a £2 million Fund that has been allocated for projects that will enhance Biodiversity. The BIF will be managed alongside the Phase £5m CEF & BLEF programme.

The primary aim of BIF is to produce biodiversity gains through the creation and restoration of ecological habitats along the line of the Phase 2a route. BIF will also encourage a broad range of secondary outcomes to enable a diverse range of projects.

There is no limit on the amount of funding you can apply for and the Fund can support revenue or capital (or a blend of both) costs.

There is a three stage application process with specified deadlines. The first two stages will be to complete a self-eligibility quiz which will provide you with a link to the Stage One application if you/your project is eligible.

This fund is now closed to new applications.

Who can apply for funding?

Your organisation must be formally established for public benefit and be not for profit.

We encourage projects that involve partners but one organisation must be the lead organisation who manages the funding and reports on delivery.

More information on the eligibility of organisations can be found on the guidance page.

For an overview of the programme and to hear stakeholder questions answered, watch the BIF webinar recording.

Examples of BIF projects

The below examples illustrate some types of projects and we welcome applications for any projects that will produce biodiversity gains through the creation or restoration of ecological habitats:

• Developing a wildlife corridor between green spaces to encourage bats recolonisation and provide food for pollinators;
• Supporting volunteers to restore and actively manage a heathland to develop species rich habitats for lizards and other wildlife;
• Restoring or improving a water ecosystem; and
• Turning a neglected green space into a wildlife oasis for birds and insects.

Step 1

Read the guidance notes

Before applying, we recommend that all applicants read the BIF Guidance Notes, the Application Help Notes and BIF Leaflet for more detail about the Fund and project eligibility.

Step 2

Understand the application process

The application flowchart explains the full process and how long each stage of the process will take.

Step 3

Take the eligibility quiz

This short quiz will check that your project meets the basic requirements to be eligible for funding. If your project meets the criteria you will be then given a link to the application form.