National park climate fund is now open for applications

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is inviting expressions of interest for this year’s Climate Adaptation Fund, which supports capital projects that help communities, land managers and businesses respond to and mitigate the impacts a changing climate.

Since its launching in 2024, the fund has awarded £640,000 for 30 projects that have taken practical action to deliver long-term resilience across the National Park.

The fund previously supported the purchase of a remote-controlled track flail mower to reduce the height of brush, helping to reduce wildfire risk.

placeholder image — The fund previously supported the purchase of a remote-controlled track flail mower to reduce the height of brush, helping to reduce wildfire risk.

This year, £300,000 is available, and eligible activity could include the purchase of new tools or machinery, or works that deliver benefits over several years, such as habitat restoration and land management.

In 2025, more than 60 expressions of interest were submitted with a total value exceeding £1 million for proposed projects.

Grant Moir, CNPA chief executive officer, said: "Over the past few years, we've seen increased wildfire risk, more frequent flooding and growing pressure on fragile and precious habitats. The Climate Adaptation Fund aims to help us pull together to be more resilient against these challenges.

“We know there is a huge willingness from people in the National Park to step up the action that is already happening here. This fund is about supporting that practical, on the ground action and we are keen to hear proposals that deliver lasting benefits for nature, people and the local economy.”

The fund’s aims support the delivery of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022 to 2027 net zero objectives and projects must demonstrate that they fit with the Plan’s priorities and contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

The expression of interest stage for the Climate Adaptation Fund will close on April 3.

Alongside the Climate Adaptation Fund, a wide range of funding and support is available, which can be found on the funding page of the CNPA’s website. Further information and support with completing an expression of interest or application is available by emailing [email protected].