NTUK Test & Trial Fund (England) – Opened

Do you have a great idea for delivering outcomes for people and nature along our National Trails network?

National Trails UK, with funding from the Protected Landscapes Partnership, is excited to launch its new and improved 2025-26 Test & Trial fund. This grant provides flexible criteria with a simple application process to deliver innovative people and nature projects by our National Trail Officers (NTOs) and partners. You do not need to be a NTO to apply, but we do require that NTOs are engaged in your project development and delivery.  

The funding pot, totalling £70,000, is split equally between two programmes:

1. Coastal Wildbelt: a national initiative whose vision is to see a coast where nature thrives and communities flourish—where people feel connected, the landscape is celebrated, and anyone can enjoy its beauty, culture, and opportunities.
2. National Trails Nature Recovery Programme: is supporting National Trails to become nature-rich corridors that connect people to nature.    

No project idea is too small! This funding is for capital works, with a maximum of £10,000 per application. Funding can only be used for projects in England and cannot make up the trail partnerships 25% match funding.

You can apply to the Coastal Wildbelt pot for all project proposals located on the English coastline. Our Nature Recovery Programme pot is available to all other English National Trails/sections of trails (where delivery is not on the coast).

Applications are open now, with no fixed deadline. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling, first come first served basis. We will update the website when these pots are closed.  

Should you wish to apply but are concerned with capacity, please reach out to the relevant fund manager below to see how we can best support you.  

All projects must be delivered by 31st March 2026.  

Please familiarise yourself with our guidance notes below for the respective programmes, ahead of applying HERE.  

‍

For any further questions please contact:  

‍
Coastal Wildbelt fund – contact Kate Jury on kate@nationaltrails.uk  

Nature Recovery Programme fund – contact Hannah Brightley on hannah@nationaltrails.uk    

‍

Photo Credit: The Ridgeway National Trail near White Horse Hill, Dave Cavanagh