The Big Lottery will launch their new wildlife funding programme on tonight's BBC Springwatch programme (8 June 2010). The funding aims to "improve or protect the natural environment by raising awareness of threatened wildlife or places".

Grants of between £300 and £10,000 will be available.

From bird, bat or badger watching, to creating nature trails, woodland walks and wildlife gardens, Community Wildlife will award grants to voluntary or community sector organisations, town and parish councils, schools and health bodies committed to bringing people together to learn about nature.

Projects that encourage people to get more active and healthier through exploring parks, rivers and the countryside to look for rare or endangered species, or that get people gardening or on nature walks, and those that encourage children to learn about nature through play will all benefit.

Sir Clive Booth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said:

“We want this funding to have a real impact on improving local rural and urban environments across the UK through the protection of habitats and threatened wildlife. Now is the time of year that people get outside to enjoy the natural environment so I encourage everyone to get their applications in to help save our wildlife for future generations.”

Further Details and Application Forms

Application forms can be downloaded at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/404?url=/communitywildlife

Alternatively, call 0845 367 0610, or textphone 0845 602 1659.

Programme Deadlines

There are three deadlines for applications:

• 21 July
• 22 September
• 24 November 2010.

Further Information: Big Lottery Fund