Nature Restoration Fund

2025 to 2026 Nature Restoration Fund allocation

The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is a Scottish Government initiative supporting projects that restore nature and enhance biodiversity. Since 2021, Perth and Kinross Council has received £1,057,000 through the Edinburgh Process strand of the Nature Restoration Fund, funding over 80 Council, community, and landowner-led projects across the region

Projects funded through Nature Restoration Fund focus on the following themes:

• Habitat and species restoration - Creating wildflower meadows, planting native trees, restoring ponds
• Freshwater restoration - Reconnecting rivers to floodplains, reducing erosion, improving aquatic habitats
• Coastal and marine - Enhancing resilience through initiatives like seagrass restoration
• INNS control - Tackling rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam
• Urban biodiversity: Creating pollinator corridors and blue-green infrastructure

Current status

The Nature Restoration Fund is currently closed. We await notice of future funding opportunity from the Scottish Government. Updates will be posted here as soon as information becomes available. In the meantime, you can view our previous application advice (PDF, 247 KB) and application form (Word doc, 1 MB) for reference.

Nature networks

Projects that contribute to Nature Networks - connecting nature-rich sites through habitat corridors and stepping stones - are a priority. View our draft nature network map and Core Nature Rich Areas map to explore opportunities for future projects.

Successful projects

2021 to 2022

In August 2021 the Council received £166,000 from the Nature Restoration Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to address the biodiversity crisis and its causes - habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species - while recognising the need to address both climate change and biodiversity crises at the same time.

Application of the fund demonstrates the Council's commitment shown in declaring a climate emergency and the signing of the Edinburgh Declaration and provided an opportunity to deliver on the PK Offer both through community involvement and in making Perth and Kinross a better, greener place.

Community Greenspace had a number of projects ready to implement including tree and pollinator friendly planting. Many of these involved In Bloom and other community groups delivering:

• planting of a tree corridor on the South Inch and a thousand trees at Perth Crematorium, enhancing the biodiversity value of these important greenspaces
• restoration of the South Inch SuDS pond
• pollinator planting of heathers, wildflowers or snowdrops was carried out in Kinross, Pitlochry, Perth, and Glenfarg, with further planting carried out across the Council area by community groups

The remainder was opened up to community partners to apply for. Successful awards were made to projects including supporting pollinators with wildflower planting, introducing native trees and pollinator-friendly gardening in schools, providing homes for wildlife, reinvigorating SuDS ponds for amphibians, implementing innovative surface water measures, giving Biodiversity Towns and Villages a head start, lots of pollinator-friendly planting across greenspaces and green graveyards, and plenty of new homes for birds, bats and hedgehogs across towns and schools.

A special note should be made of the involvement of teachers, pupils and parent groups in hands-on delivery of projects at: schools; the Kinross Park and Ride - part of the Kinross Raingardens trail - winner of a Ciria Susdrain SuDS Awards 2022; the delivery of Tayside Biodiversity Partnership's innovative Biodiversity Towns and Villages Blairgowrie and Rattray, and Guildtown; and the wide involvement of schools, In Bloom groups, local wildlife groups and volunteers who helped deliver many of the projects led by the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and Community Greenspace.

Lesley MacDonald, Biodiversity Blairgowrie and Rattray Group said "Without a doubt had it not been for the Nature Restoration Fund, Catherine Lloyd and our already hardworking local groups coming together, we would still be wondering how to begin our biodiversity aims. Catherine guided us, the Nature Restoration Fund enabled us and our locals got stuck in - a perfect collaboration and a wonderful beginning for our local biodiversity to get the encouragement and nurturing it so richly deserves".

Nature Restoration Fund 2022 to 2023

Another year's funding of £176,000 has been awarded to the Council for 2022 to 2023. The purpose of the fund remains "nature restoration and improving biodiversity on land and in the seas" but there is a greater rural focus in order to address the drivers of biodiversity loss. Community Greenspace and Tayside Biodiversity Partnership will again take forward projects in conjunction with local communities. The rest of the funding will be made available to community led projects with the final split due to be agreed in August 2022.

In the meantime, applications are invited across the Council area for capital funding for projects of between £1,250 and £12,500 to be considered from 31 August. Applications must be submitted by 30 September. To support the PKOffer projects with a strong community element are encouraged. For further information please go to Nature Restoration Fund.

2021 to 2022 Nature Restoration Projects List

Kinross Raingardens

Award-winning transformation of the Kinross Park and Ride to introduce a wildflower-rich swale to replace the previous poorly functioning infiltration trench. The first year has been a great success, rich in wildflowers with drainage issues solved. Kinross-shire Civic Trust with Kinross In Bloom.

Isla Court Bee Wild Project

Introduction of wildlife-friendly planting that provides food for birds and pollinators throughout the year as well as an enjoyable environment for the residents. Homes for bats, bugs, swifts and other birds were also provided. Tayside Biodiversity with Isla Court residents and the Unpaid Work Team.

Letham Early Childhood Centre Biodiversity Project

Paved areas enriched with biodiversity planting, along with special provision for birds, bugs and butterflies including a bug hotel and butterfly house.

Crieff Primary School Biodiversity Project

Outdoor learning area biodiversified with orchard trees, and pollinator-friendly climbers, shrubs and plants with hedgerows ready to be planted. Mini wildlife gardens designed by Primary 3 pupils. Fruit shrubs added to the school orchard and the fund supported the planting of trees to create a woodland copse on the playing field boundary.

St Madoes Primary School Wild Orchard Project

85 native trees planted, with an outdoor learning area of native wildflowers, willow dome and mini beast area with resources for children to grow more wildlife friendly plants.

Robert Douglas Memorial School Biodiversity Enhancement

Enhancing the school grounds for biodiversity to benefit wildlife, children, their education and the environment. An existing mature tree was protected, wildflowers and native trees planted and homes for bees, butterflies, birds and bats introduced.

Breadalbane Academy Playground Project

Reinvention of greenspace and play area with native trees and flowering shrubs. Friends of Breadalbane Parents Council.

Parkdale Sensory Garden

Laying of a path for a sensory garden that is being planted to allow residents to interact with nature.

Snowdrops for Pollinators

Snowdrops provided to community and In Bloom groups across 17 sites Perthshire wide as part of the Tayside Green Graveyard initiative to plant in local graveyards to benefit early emerging bumblebees. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and numerous community groups.

Perth Tree Planting

27 semi-mature native trees planted at South Inch, including the Queen's Canopy creating a corridor through the park, and 1,000 trees planted at Perth Crematorium enhancing this space as a wildlife refuge and resource. Community Greenspace.

Sustainable Planting

400m2 of bulb planting throughout Perth and Kinross with help from many In Bloom and community groups. Sustainable planting, heather planting, and wildflower seeding in Kinross, Pitlochry and Perth and restoration of the South Inch SuDS pond to boost its biodiversity offering.

Homes for Wildlife

Working with local communities across Perthshire, 24 swift nest boxes, 25 bat roosting boxes, 10 hedgehog hibernacular and 10 tree sparrow nest boxes were installed in the best locations in each area. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership with lots of community Groups.

Guildtown Biodiversity Village

As part of Tayside Biodiversity Partnership's Biodiversity Villages Initiative, Guildtown Biodiversity Group worked with the Ranger to enhance the local park and greenspace with bird and bat boxes, hedgehog homes and planting snowdrops. The local school was given bird and bat boxes for their school grounds. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership with Perth and Kinross Council Greenspace Ranger, Guildtown Primary School.

Blairgowrie and Rattray Biodiversity Town

Blairgowrie and Rattray together established their status as the First Biodiversity Town in Scotland with a wide-ranging community-led project planting orchards and native trees, providing homes for bats and hedgehogs, creating a pollinator highway network and a workshop to make and install amphibian ladders where they were needed most. Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Development Trust with help from Blair in Bloom, the Climate Café, and Rotary.

Ponds Project

Ponds in Perth, Murthly, Rattray, Scone, and Blairgowrie were cleared of vegetation to create open water and improve conditions for toads, frogs and newts, dragonflies, and pollinators; native wildflowers were planted as food for pollinators. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership with TayARG, British Dragonfly Society and local volunteers.

Mind the Gap

Hedgehog homes and training to locate and monitor the hedgehogs using them were provided to 19 schools across Perth and Kinross, along with wildflower seeds and plug plants for schoolchildren to plant to encourage invertebrates and pollinators to help support the hedgehog population to recover. 

2022 to 2023

In May 2022, the Council received £176,000 from the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund. The purpose of the fund is to address the biodiversity crisis and its causes - habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species - while recognising the need to address both climate change and biodiversity crises at the same time. Perth and Kinross Council also applied to the Helping Nature funding stream to receive an additional grant of £13,000 for Community Greenspace projects. The total Nature Restoration Fund grant received by the Council in 2022 to 2023 was £189,000.

Application of the fund demonstrates the Council's commitment shown in declaring a climate emergency and the signing of the Edinburgh Declaration and provided an opportunity to deliver on the PK Offer both through community involvement and in making Perth and Kinross a better, greener place.

Community Greenspace had several projects ready to implement including forest plan works, investment in equipment for maintaining wildflower areas, clearance of scrub at grassland and heath land sites, removal of invasive non-native species, tree planting, and pollinator-friendly planting at closed cemeteries. The additional grant through the Helping Nature funding stream funded invasive non-native species removal at the Tay and Craigie Burn and forest plan works at Alyth Den.

Funding was then open for community partners and other internal partners to apply to. Great work was carried out by the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership, Rewilding Denmarkfield, Beautiful Perth, Crook and Drum Growing Together, Glassie Bike Park, Kinross-shire Civic Trust, Comrie Primary School and Parent and Friends Association, Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, Loch Rannoch Conservation Association, and Luncarty Primary School. Their hard work included introducing native trees and hedgerows, wildlife ponds and scrapes, beebanks, and pollinator-friendly plants in schools, creating and enhancing SuDS ponds and wetlands for amphibians and dragonflies, restoring riparian habitat through landscape-scale invasive non-native species control work, creating a species-rich grassland corridor, extending a community orchard, lots of pollinator-friendly planting and native tree planting across greenspaces.

A special note should be made of:

• the involvement of Rewilding Denmarkfield, Royal Highland Education Trust, teachers, pupils, and local community members in the delivery of Comrie Primary Schools "Rewilding Comrie" project and Luncarty Primary Schools "Rewild my school" project
• the wetland restoration works of the Kinross Raingardens trail
• the partnership project between Tayside Biodiversity, Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, and Perth and Kinross Council that recruited 35 volunteers to undertake catchment wide giant hogweed control at the River Almond
• the wide involvement of volunteers who helped deliver many of the projects

Nature Restoration Fund 2023 to 2024

In late June 2023, Perth and Kinross Council received our Nature Restoration Fund allocation of £353,000. This year the theme of the fund remains the same - catalysing action at scale to protect and restore Scotland's biodiversity on land and sea, with a focus on outcomes which address the main drivers of the decline in biodiversity. However, at least half of this funding is to be spend on developing nature networks. Effectively functioning nature networks will connect existing nature rich areas through habitat corridors, habitat 'stepping stones', or habitat restoration. On receipt of 2023 to 2024 funding, the Nature Restoration Fund application process will reopen early July with applications invited across the Council area for capital funding for projects. The application process will close on Sunday 20 August. For further information, please go to Nature Restoration Fund.

This year, all applications are to be reviewed against set scoring criteria. Once the application deadline has passed, the highest scoring applications will be recommended for approval to the Executive Director of Communities. This year there will be no proposed split between Community Greenspace and Community projects, as those that best support outcomes for nature, in line with scoring criteria, will be recommended for approval. Once recommendations have been approved by the Executive Director of Communities, successful applicants will be notified of their grant funding award.

2022 to 2023 Nature Restoration Projects List

Community Greenspace

• Forest Plan Works at Aberfeldy, The Knock, Alyth Den, Blackspout Woods, and St Magdalenes Hill, Lady Mary's Walk - Enhancing six sites across Perth and Kinross by removing non-native and invasive species, enhancing the natural ecosystem. Works to restore our natural forest habitat included the removal of beech and sycamore saplings, removing broom to re-establish heath land habitat, coppicing trees, and ring-barking trees to create standing deadwood, a rare and important habitat for biodiversity.
• Removal of Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed from the Craigie Burn and Tay - Invasive non-native plants out-compete native species and cause stream bank erosion in riparian areas when the large shading plant dies back late in the year leaving riverbanks exposed to the elements. By bringing these plants under control we reduce negative environmental and human health impacts, increase our native floral biodiversity, and restore our riparian habitats.
• Investment in Machinery - Purchase of pedestrian machinery with interchangeable flail head and scythe attachment. This will be made available to path groups for maintaining the core path network with the flail head and the scythe attachment for emerging meadow management groups.
• Kinnoull Hill SSSI - Scrub and trees were removed from heathland areas to improve the habitat. Scrub and trees were also removed from meadow areas at Barnhill and Rosehill to keep previously cultivated areas from succession. This involved scraping back of Blaeberry, broom and gorse.
• Meadows and Grassland at St Magdalenes Hill - Scrub was removed from meadows and other grassland areas. Removing scrub protects the meadow and grassland areas from progressing into a woodland. These areas are hugely important for biodiversity, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.
• Jeanfield Flood Prevention - Tree planting to help with flood prevention, using nature-based solutions to mitigate the ever-increasing flooding issues at this location. These trees will help to increase water absorption, catch rainfall and slow down surface water run-off.
• Closed Cemeteries Management - Works undertaken at 4 closed cemeteries and 1 new extension cemetery (Kinross North Cemetery). This involved the selective removal of invasive species and the creation of new areas for pollinators.

Education Services

• Rewilding Comrie, Comrie Primary School and Parent and Friends Association - Planting of a variety of plants and seeds to support biodiversity. With wild grass/flowers seeds spread, the area has been rejuvenated. The scrape built into the centre will also collect water naturally to help further support the plants and animals around. Two volunteers from RHET came along on the planting day for children and members of the community to learn about soil and planting, helping to put knowledge into practice with creating the rewilding area.
• Rewild Our School, Luncarty Primary School - In conjunction with Rewilding Denmarkfield, Luncarty Primary developed an outdoor space to create opportunities for wildlife and to encourage biodiversity. They created a pond with aquatic planting, planted two vast wildflower beds, created a willow tunnel for exploration, a bee bank and planted a hedgerow around the perimeter of the playground area. Bringing nature and wildlife into the school grounds has provided nature connection opportunities through unstructured, creative play and curriculum-based environmental education sessions.

Community Organisations

• River Almond Giant Hogweed Project, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership - This partnership project brought together Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI), the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and Perth and Kinross Council to put a programme of control in place to remove invasive species from the Almond. This conservation work is restoring the riparian habitat and increasing biodiversity. Time and support were invested into building a network of enthusiastic local volunteers, providing them with skills, training and qualifications to help undertake control work. Control work started from the source in Buchanty, and continued all the way down the river to where the Almond meets the Tay.
• SuDS Pond Enhancement, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership - Five Ponds were cleared of non-native or invasive vegetation to create areas of open water and improve conditions for toads, frogs and newts, dragonflies, and pollinators; native wildflowers were planted as food for pollinators. Help was provided from many local volunteers, the Perth and Kinross Council Biodiversity Ambassadors, community groups, developers and schools.
• Wildflower Meadow Creation, Rewilding Denmarkfield - Restoring a 3.15ha species-rich grassland corridor along the northern boundary of Rewilding Denmarkfield, connecting their pollinator-friendly community orchard to the semi-ancient oak woodland. This 3.15ha of SRG will act as a "seed island" in that it will facilitate other areas of the site to be colonised by native flowering plants in the future. Rewilding Denmarkfield will also continue to conduct weekly butterfly, bee and amphibian transect surveys to determine the positive impact on pollinators and amphibians.
• Riverside Heather Garden Riparian Restoration, Beautiful Perth - The stream in Riverside Heather Garden was devoid of marginal planting for a strip of approximately 1.5m width. This project restored planting in this area to create a more diverse riparian habitat. Native species that are good for pollinators were planted by Beautiful Perth volunteers to enhance the biodiversity of the area.
• Crook of Devon Community Orchard and Pollinator Project, Crook and Drum Growing Together - Expanding a community orchard with mixed fruit trees and under planting with wildflowers and bulbs with the aim of creating a pollinator corridor. All the planting and associated works were carried out by volunteers of Crook and Drum Growing Together.
• Kinross Rain Gardens Trail, Kinross-shire Civic Trust - Wetland restoration was conducted in three areas to continue the Kinross Raingardens Trail, which will ultimately stretch all the way to Loch Leven. The creation of new pools creates habitat for amphibians as well as carbon sinks and increases water storage capacity in flood events. Volunteers from the Kinross-shire Civic Trust and Kinross in Bloom helped to plant native aquatic plants and a wildflower meadow for pollinators.
• Glassie Bike Park Rewilding - With the woodland previously devastated from Storm Arwen, this area was planted up with native tree species to help restore the habitat and enhance biodiversity. The new woodland area will also make a good wind break and sheltered areas for walkers and bikers on the new paths created. Some standing dead trees were left to let more light into the woodland floor to assist its natural regeneration.
• Dun Collich Wetlands, Highland Perthshire, Communities Land Trust - An ecological report was conducted advising on the best ways to improve wetland habitats at Dun Coillich. It contained recommendations to increase water levels through the construction of a series of hand-built dams and extend the existing wildlife ponds/scrapes. The existing scrapes were enhanced by volunteers clearing encroaching vegetation and raising water levels by blocking channels draining the scrapes. This work means that this wetland habitat, which is important for dragonflies and amphibians, will be maintained for years to come.
• Rannoch and Tummel Firepit and Scorch Mark Restoration, Loch Rannoch Conservation Association - Planting native trees to replace those cut down by visitors to burn on fires,  restoring the native loch shore woodland. Ash-contaminated soil was removed from the scorch marks and replaced with sterile soil and native grass seeds and wildflowers were sown to restore the woodland undergrowth. Small areas were temporarily fenced off, preventing footfall and further damage.

2023 to 2024

In late June 2023, the Council received £353,000 from the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund. The purpose of the fund is to address the biodiversity crisis and its causes - habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species - while recognising the need to address both climate change an biodiversity crises at the same time. A key stipulation of the fund this year is that at least half of the funding is dedicated to developing nature networks. Effective functioning nature networks connect existing nature rich areas through habit corridors, habitat 'stepping stones', or habitat restoration. These networks are crucial for allowing species to move and adapt in response to a changing environment. Nature networks have two main strands:

1. connecting all sites contributing towards 30x30 (the commitment to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030)
2. connecting biodiversity within and across urban, peri-urban and rural landscapes

Strategically allocating funds has allowed the prioritises of projects that focus on creating habitat corridors and stepping stones. Involving community organisations and local landowners in the development of nature networks has further helped to ensure the long-term success of conservation efforts.

A total of 23 applications were received and evaluated by the Nature Restoration Fund delivery working group. 16 projects were awarded funding, with unsuccessful applicants receiving advice on improving their applications for future years. One project by Milnathort Primary School has been deferred to 2024/2025. The funded projects involved various activities, including invasive species control, riparian habitat restoration, green corridor creation, wildflower meadow establishment, pond restoration and creation, and biodiversity enhancement in greenspaces.

Nature Networks Development

14 of these projects contribute to the development of nature networks. Many are located within Buglife's B-line corridor areas, expanding a network of nectar-rich habitats and creating stepping-stones between them. Other projects focused on restoring habitat within protected areas or improving connectivity to these sites. Several initiatives restored habitat on the Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), while some connected native woodlands together, creating habitat corridors for wildlife to move.

The funding supported projects by the Council and external community partners including landowners, community groups, and charities. The significant progress achieved in restoring biodiversity across the region is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the funded partners and the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

Grant Awardee Testimonials

National Trust for Scotland

"We would like to say a big thank you to Perth and Kinross Council's Nature Restoration Fund for supporting and funding our project. This has allowed up to improve the riparian habitat on the banks of the River Tay following the removal of invasive non-native species including Japanese Knotweed and Rhododendron. This will help with our long-term vision of stabilising the banks against flood damage whilst supporting native flora and fauna, including pollinators, through the planting of the native trees. We hope locals and visitors enjoy seeing the habitat being restored and expanding over the future." - Louise

Bamff Wildland

"We were able to plant 40 riparian copses and remove a large area of Rhododendron ponticum with this grant. The process has been very straight forward, and the benefits will show for years to come. We are delighted."  - Sophie

The Lunan Burn Wildlife Cluster

"The fund application process was straightforward and responses to both the application and queries were promptly and helpfully responded to. The fund achieved exactly what it was designed for, achieving nature and habitat restoration through capital works that will provide long-term benefit across a large area that is designated for its biodiversity."  - Ailsa

2023 to 2024 Nature Restoration Projects List

Purchase of Four Amazone Profihopper Machines

• Applicant: Perth and Kinross Council Operations
• All Wards

These machines are designed for meadow and relaxed mowing operations, playing a crucial role in a comprehensive plan to restore and enhance grassland areas for the benefit of both nature and local communities. The use of these machines is integral to creating diverse and well-maintained meadow habitats, which serve as critical 'stepping stones' for pollinators and other wildlife. This not only enhances local biodiversity but also contributes to the broader development of nature networks.

River Almond Invasive Species Control

• Applicant: Perth and Kinross Council Climate Change
• Multiple Wards: Almond and Earn, Strathtay, Perth City North and Perth City Centre

Following a successful first year of catchment scale invasive species control, Perth and Kinross Council have continued to work in partnership with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, local volunteers, and contractors to remove giant hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and American skunk cabbage from the river Almond, with 25km of the river under management. Improving the condition of the Tay SAC contributes towards nature networks delivery.

Braes of Alyth Wild Cores and Corridors

• Applicant: Bamff Wildland
• Ward: Strathmore

A total of 40 riparian copses were established along the waterway traversing Bamff Wildland, each planted with diverse native trees and scrub species including downy birch, grey willow, Scottish aspen, common alder, hazel and oak. Additionally, 40 days of rhododendron ponitcum removal by chainsaw was completed, with significant progress made in eradicating this invasive species from large areas. The removal of rhododendron will create space for many native species like foxglove, downy birch, rowan and others. This project contributes towards nature networks through creating a riparian woodland corridor. It is also part of Montrose to Dunkeld B-Line initiative and borders the Den of Alyth SSSI.

Kettins Biodiversity Conservation Project

• Applicant: Kettins Parish Community Council
• Ward: Strathmore

This project involved converting sections of greenspace into biodiverse meadow and wetland habitats. Additionally, pollinator-friendly native fruit and nut-bearing trees were planted, enhancing local biodiversity, and creating valuable habitats for wildlife. Creating biodiverse habitats within Kettins provides stepping stones for wildlife to move between different habitats.

Glassie Bike Park Rewilding Phase 2

• Applicant: Glassie Bike Park
• Ward: Highland

Diversifying Glassie Bike Park through native tree planting on the site aims to help create wildlife corridors, benefiting local biodiversity by providing essential shelter and habitat spaces. The newly planted trees connect isolated patches of natural habitat within the park, reducing habitat fragmentation.

Alt Eigheach Habitat Improvements Project

• Applicant: Rannoch and District Angling Club
• Ward: Highland

The restoration of riparian woodland along the Alt Eigheach river to reduce riverbank erosion and curb sediment washout. Twenty-one large and twenty small compounds were constructed for planting native trees, helping to reduce water temperature, creating a more favourable environment for aquatic life. As a result, invertebrate populations are expected to thrive, providing a crucial food source for fish. Improved habitat conditions will benefit salmon and trout populations, supporting both biodiversity and local angling activities. Improving the condition of the Tay SAC contributes towards nature network delivery.

Dunkeld Riverbank Restoration

• Applicant: National Trust for Scotland
• Ward: Strathtay

Works included completing the eradication of Rhododendron Ponticum, an invasive non-native species, across a one-mile stretch of riverbank. Additionally, over 150 native broadleaf trees and shrubs were planted to stabilise the riverbank, mitigating erosion and flood damage. These tree species will provide essential habitat and support for pollinators and withstand coppicing by beavers once established. The project included the installation of wire guards around all trees to protect against browsing damage from deer, rabbits, and beavers during the establishment phase. This project contributes towards the nature network development by improving the condition of the Tay SAC, restoring native vegetation and enhancing habitat quality along the riverbank.

The Lunan Burn and Clunie Loch Catchment Restoration Project

• Applicant: The Lunan Burn Wildlife Cluster
• Ward: Strathtay

The project focused on improving water quality and freshwater habitats along the Lunan Burn and Loch Clunie Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It involved measures to reduce diffuse pollution. Planting hedging and native trees helped create linear habitat corridors between existing core areas of native woodland, facilitating species movement. Reducing pollution and planting riparian vegetation improves the condition of the protected site, contributing towards nature network delivery.

Boosting Biodiversity at Denmarkfield

• Applicant: Rewilding Denmarkfield
• Ward: Strathtay

The project included planting 470 meters of pollinator-friendly hedgerows to connect existing wildlife corridors, sowing a 2-acre pollinator bank with native local wildflower seed, and the creation of a 2000m2 wetland in the House Field and a wildlife pond in the Education Hub. Furthermore, collaboration with Forest Research and the University of Reading aimed to create an experimental design, known as Fungi4Restore, by inoculating an area of ex-arable land with soil from an Oak woodland and planting local provenance Oak saplings to increase soil microbes and underground biodiversity. The project creates pollinator-friendly, flower-rich habitats that contribute to Buglife's B-Line network. The woodland mosaic and hedgerows will form migration corridors for woodland wildlife, connecting to ancient woodlands in the landscape.

Marybank Farm Habitat Restoration

• Applicant: Marybank Farm
• Ward: Strathtay

The project involved a range of measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity and habitat diversity on the farmland. This included restoring and creating ponds, establishing hedgerows to facilitate wildlife corridors, creating wildflower meadows, installing a beebank to support pollinators, and planting trees. The creation of wildflower-rich areas within the B- line area contributes towards nature networks by creating stepping-stones habitat for wildlife.

Comrie Croft Wild Connections

• Applicant: Comrie Croft
• Ward: Strathearn

The project successfully connected and enhanced diverse native woodland habitats. The project included woodland creation, wildflower meadow establishment, species enhancement in existing woodlands, and the removal of invasive species such as sitka spruce, as well as plastic tree tubes, and redundant wire fencing. Connecting and enhancing woodland and meadow habitats helps creates corridors and stepping stones, facilitating wildlife movement.

Kinross Rain Gardens Trail

• Applicant: Kinross-shire Civic Trust
• Ward: Kinross-shire

A continuation of the Kinross rain gardens trail project. This encompassed four projects including pollinator-friendly planting around the edges of the Kinross Park and Ride; landscape work to enhance wetlands at the South Queich Flood Area; new hedgerow at the Kinross Rugby Club; and surveying at South Queich for design work to create amphibian pools within the South Queich catchment. This project enhances connectivity for aquatic species, contributing to the development of nature networks along watercourses. The Kinross Rain Gardens Trail through Kinross-shire connects with the Loch Leven Heritage Trail and the pollinator pathways network.

Birds, Bees, Bogs and Frogs- creating a safe corridor for nature

• Applicant: PKAVS
• Ward: Perth City Centre

The project established a large wildlife pond and bog garden, providing habitat for a diverse range of native plants, supporting pollinators, birds, and insects. The pond offers a home for amphibians and insects, evidenced by the presence of pond skaters, great diving beetles, frogs, and an increase in birds and waterfowl to the area. Pollinator highways were created through sowing native wildflower seeds, connecting different areas of the garden, and contributing to Buglife's B-Line network.

2024 to 2025

The Nature Restoration Fund is a 5-year initiative to support projects that restore nature and improve biodiversity. Perth and Kinross Council has received between £166,000 and £353,000 for the past four years. In late 2024, the Council received £175,000 from the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund. However, the Scottish Government subsequently reallocated the funding with the understanding that they would reinstate the funding the following year. To honour commitments already made to partners and communities, the Council continued with 2024/2025 projects and recouped the money from the increased Year 5 allocation.

A total of twenty-one applications were received and evaluated by the Nature Restoration Fund delivery working group. Sixteen projects were awarded funding, with three of these projects deferred to 2025/2026 and one cancelled. Feedback was provided to unsuccessful applicants to strengthen future bids. 

The funded projects reflect a broad and ambitious approach to ecosystem recovery and community involvement. They included invasive species control, riparian habitat restoration, tree and shrub planting, wildflower meadow creation, pond enhancement, surveying, and provision of tools and training for sustainable land management. Notably, projects also supported community action days, the development of a new tree nursery, and biodiversity improvements in both urban greenspaces and rural farmland. 

This collaborative effort brought together Council departments, community groups, non-government organisations, and charities, all committed to reversing biodiversity loss. The collective impact of these projects - driven in large part by the energy and commitment of volunteers - has made a meaningful contribution to ecological restoration across Perth and Kinross.

One of the core strengths of the 2024/2025 programme was the emphasis on building community capacity. By investing in training, tools, and opportunities for hands-on conservation, the fund empowered local groups to take ownership of biodiversity enhancement in their own communities.

The success of this year's programme is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together. As we look ahead to Year 5 and beyond, Perth and Kinross Council remains committed to supporting innovative, inclusive, and locally-led efforts to restore the health of our ecosystems for future generations.

Grant Awardee Testimonials

Tayside Woodland Partnership

"Perth and Kinross Council's Nature Restoration Fund has been instrumental in helping Tayside Woodland Partnerships (TWP) to establish our community tree nursery, a vital resource in our mission to create resilient native woodlands across Tayside. This project not only supports our goal of establishing 10 hectares of community woodlands by 2033 but also helps to provide a sustainable source of locally grown native trees that will be planted out to enhance biodiversity, create wildlife corridors, and contribute to Scotland's carbon sequestration targets." - Marion Young

Scottish Wildlife Trust

"The Nature Restoration Fund has supported the restoration of both the wildflower meadow and pond within the Keltneyburn wildlife reserve. The meadow attracts a kaleidoscope of butterflies, including the Northern Brown Argus and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary priority species. Many plants flourish here, but the meadow is particularly noted for eight species of orchid, including the Small White and Greater Butterfly Orchids. We are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for supporting this wildlife reserve that has open access for the public to visit, bringing ongoing health and wellbeing benefits for people in the area - and for those who visit to get close to the rare species of orchids and butterflies that find refuge here."  - Rab Potter

River Earn Improvement Association

"Volunteers obtained qualifications, and this means we now have 6 people qualified and each of the 4 local angling clubs (Comrie, Crieff, Auchterarder and Dunning) now have a least 1 member qualified and available to undertake control/containment of invasive non-native species until Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) commence work on the Earn system, scheduled for 2026, and thereafter be available to support SISI" - John Robertson

2024 to 2025 Nature Restoration Projects List

Fonab Cemetery: A Haven for Flora and Fauna

• Applicant: Friends of Dysart and Fonab Cemetery
• Highland Ward

Invasive Rhododendron ponticum was controlled, which will allow native ground flora such as wood anemones to recover. Native climbers like honeysuckle were planted along boundary fencing. Pollinator-friendly plants were introduced, alongside spring bulbs to enhance seasonal diversity. Additional planting around the site perimeter provided food and shelter for native wildlife. A landscape architect was commissioned to ensure the works enhanced both biodiversity and the visual character of the site.

Ponds for Puddocks

• Applicant: Tayside Biodiversity Partnership
• Multiple Wards: Almond and Earn, Blairgowrie and the Glens, Perth City Centre, Strathtay

Several ponds were cleared of invasive vegetation, creating areas of open water and improving conditions for amphibians. Native pond-edge wildflowers were planted to benefit pollinators and other invertebrates. Ponds included: Elm Drive pond, Blairgowrie; Lidl pond, Blairgowrie; Kinclaven Road pond, Murthly; Brandywell Road, Abernethy; North Inch pond, Perth; and Barrat, Huntingtower SuDS. Amphibian ladder workshops and installations in drains further supported amphibian populations. Volunteering opportunities were created for many people through the project.

Keltneyburn Meadow and Pond Enhancement

• Applicant: Scottish Wildlife Trust
• Multiple Wards: Highland

Invasive blackthorn that was encroaching on the wildflower meadow and degrading the quality of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) grassland habitat was successfully removed. This restored valuable orchid and herb-rich meadow and heath vegetation, supporting nationally scarce plant and pollinator species. In addition, a 1,200 m2 pond that had become overgrown and silted up was cleared and its edges reprofiled, enabling its recovery as a key habitat for dragonflies and aquatic invertebrates. The reserve supports a rich range of biodiversity, including 17 Scottish Biodiversity Strategy species and numerous UK and Tayside BAP priority and rare species.

Community Action Days

• Applicant: Community Greenspace, Perth and Kinross Council
• Ward: Multiple

Community events were held to engage Bloom groups, Paths groups, Friends of Cemeteries and Parks, and individuals interested in enhancing biodiversity in local greenspaces. The events included talks, group presentations, and practical outdoor sessions at the North Inch Park. Participants were introduced to tools and equipment available for loan, helping to support ongoing community led biodiversity work across the region.

Habitat Improvement Works

• Applicant: Community Greenspace, Perth and Kinross Council
• Ward: Multiple

Improvement works were carried out across multiple sites including Lady Mary's Walk, Birks of Aberfeldy, Den of Alyth, Blackspout Wood, St Magdalene's Hill, The Knock, and Kinnoull Hill. Works involved the removal of snowberry, Japanese knotweed, broom, bramble, and non- native trees such as beech. Across all sites, these actions improved conditions for native woodland, meadows, pollinators, and wildlife.

Community Equipment

•  Applicant: Community Greenspace, Perth and Kinross Council
•  Ward: Multiple

Fifteen scythes and fifteen rakes were provided to community groups, along with training for local volunteers. This enabled communities to manage local greenspaces in a traditional, low-impact way. Using scythes rather than petrol mowers helps reduce carbon emissions while encouraging hands on involvement in nature restoration and habitat management.

Tayside Woodlands Nursery

• Applicant: Tayside Woodlands Partnership
• Ward: Highland

The tree nursery was established with the construction of a storage shed and meeting space. The nursery supports the propagation of trees from seed and locally-sourced saplings, with ongoing care provided by volunteers. As trees mature, they will be distributed to community planting sites across Tayside, supporting habitat restoration and connectivity.

River Earn Improvement Association

• Applicant: River Earn Improvement Association
• Ward: Strathearn

Japanese Knotweed works on the upper River Earn began in 2024 as part of Phase 1 of the project. Two additional volunteers have completed their PA1 and PA6 training (including stem injection), along with being equipped with the necessary PPE and application tools. Control efforts continue to focus on priority areas in the Upper catchment. Their approach supports SISI starting INNS eradication on the Earn system from 2026 onwards.

Alt Eigheach Habitat Improvements Project

• Applicant: Rannoch and District Angling Club
• Ward: Highland

The restoration of riparian woodland along the Alt Eigheach river to reduce riverbank erosion and curb sediment washout. Fencing compounds were constructed for planting native trees, helping to reduce water temperature, creating a more favourable environment for aquatic life. As a result, invertebrate populations are expected to thrive, providing a crucial food source for fish. Improved habitat conditions will benefit salmon and trout populations, supporting both biodiversity and local angling activities.

Glassie Bike Park Rewilding Phase 3

• Applicant: Glassie Bike Park
• Ward: Highland

Working with Butterfly Conservation, a site survey discovered a previously unrecorded colony of Northern Brown Argus butterfly, leading to targeted habitat expansion for this species. Two butterfly banks, ten scrapes, hedgerow, and two ponds were created and targeted wildflower seeding was carried out across meadows and woodland edges. Pond creation helped to enhance wetland habitat and reduce downstream flood risk.

Marybank Farm Habitat Restoration

• Applicant: Marybank Farm
• Ward: Strathtay

Work focused on removing non-native trees to support the recovery of Scots Pine, with felled timber stacked to create insect habitats. Bracken and gorse were also controlled to allow young trees to establish. A new native hedgerow was planted to create a wildlife corridor, and 20 oak trees were added across open fields for shade and shelter.

Bamff Wildland

• Applicant: Rewilding Denmarkfield
• Ward: Strathtay

Approximately 4,750 metres of fencing were removed across Bamff Wildland. This work, supported by volunteers, improved connectivity across habitats, allowing free movement of wild animals and rewilding stock, enabling more natural grazing patterns. The removal of fencing also opened up beaver habitat and restored natural processes across the landscape. Areas of disturbed ground were sown with native wildflower seed from Scotia Seeds, and a small new enclosure was created where 100 mixed native trees were planted.