What is the Sustainable Tourism Grants?
Grants are available to organisations working in the tourism and hospitality sector for new and innovative projects that will boost sustainable tourism in the National Forest. The aim of the scheme is to support organisations with new projects that can help to develop the National Forest as a landmark sustainable tourism destination. This grants programme is motivated by the belief that travel to natural areas can be a driver for conservation and environmental awareness. Ecotourism can also be a way to generate sustainable financing for protecting nature and incomes for local businesses and households. The grants have been set up to support businesses with their continued recovery from the pandemic, and to encourage them to invest wisely now to create a greener future for the sector.

Grants are available to support projects that:
- Improve and promote access for all visitors to surrounding woodlands and habitats.
- Strengthen visitor connections with the Forest.
- Protect and enhance nature to improve the visitor experience.
- Raise visitor awareness of the National Forest story and future vision.
Eligiblity Criteria
- Applications for 2021 Grants may be made by individuals, businesses, non-government organizations, and community-based organizations.
What’s on offer?
The scheme is looking to offer between five and seven grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. Grants can be used to fund between 50% and 70% of total project costs and will require a cash match from either the applicant or from additional sources e.g. other grant funders. Grant offers of more than 50% of total project costs will generally only be considered for exceptional projects or projects that can demonstrate more public benefit – please discuss your project with the NFC team before applying.