Sizewell C funded grant scheme: Natural Environment Improvement Fund

The Natural Environment Improvement Fund (NEIF) is a grant scheme funded by Sizewell C, and delivered by the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape (SECHNL).

The NEIF will provide nearly £10 million to be invested in the SECHNL and the Suffolk Heritage Coast within East Suffolk, and beyond. The NEIF forms part of a wider package of mitigation and compensation measures related to the Sizewell C Project.

The NEIF recognises that the siting of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in a designated landscape will result in landscape and visual impacts over a wide area, which cannot be fully mitigated. The NEIF therefore aims to address the landscape and visual impacts of the Sizewell C Project, contribute to the conservation and enhancement of landscape character and biodiversity, and improve habitat resilience in the SECHNL, and its setting.

Who can apply?

Applications can be accepted from the following:

• Registered charities
• Landowner or group of landowners in the vicinity of the Sizewell C Project
• Community group(s), voluntary organisations, social enterprises, public bodies
• An individual(s) or business(es) where the project shows a clear benefit to the wider community

Partnership working is encouraged, and it is expected that any projects partners are actively involved in the project. You should formalise your partnership through a partnership agreement and choose a lead applicant for your application to act as the main point of contact for the project.

Application Criteria

Primary Criteria

Projects will be assessed on how they will address at least one of the following:

• mitigate the residual landscape and visual impacts of the Sizewell C Project
• deliver sustainable long-term management and maintenance of woodlands, hedges and other established vegetation that contribute to the conservation and enhancement of landscape character
• enhance ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife, and improve habitat connectivity and resilience

and

• deliver effective outcomes
• be consistent with a not-for-profit purpose

Find out more and apply on the Natural Environment Improvement Fund's site