How to apply

Applications are invited from individuals of any age, anywhere in the world, for a project which will have a substantial, lasting, positive impact on biodiversity and the environment.

Eligible projects will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Their cost, balanced against their intended benefit to nature conservation, and apparent likelihood of achieving this benefit
  • The expected extent of their likely benefit (e.g. geographic area, number of species or ecosystems, degree to which these are threatened, duration)

To submit an application, please use this form.
Applications close on 31st May and 30th November each year.
Applicants can expect acknowledgement of their application within 2 weeks.

Below is a list of questions that you may find useful prior to making any applications.

  • What types of project are considered?

    Many of the funded projects have a field ecology focus, but the Woodspring Trust will consider any eligible project, judging it solely in terms of the criteria. For example, your project may have a basis in engineering, communications, be quite theoretical or entirely practical. However, it is important to present your application in a way that the lay person can understand and assess what is being proposed.

  • Who is eligible?

    Applications are invited from individuals of any age, anywhere in the world, for a project which will have a substantial, lasting, positive impact on biodiversity and the environment.

  • What is the Woodspring Trust award?

    The Woodspring Trust award provides the successful project with:

    • international recognition of its special, high potential to achieve outstanding nature conservation outcomes
    • financial support to achieve these outcomes
  • Who is it for?

    The Woodspring Trust award is designed for any project, in any field, in any country, with high potential to achieve outstanding nature conservation outcomes.

    The successful project is the one considered most likely to achieve the greatest conservation outcome for the funding required. It would typically:

    • be pragmatic with a high chance of success
    • achieve positive impacts on multiple species or even ecosystems
    • achieve positive impacts which have a good chance of progressing further well beyond the end of the funding period
    • involve people living in the area where the project is focused
    • be run by someone with experience and previous success in the type of project proposed
  • If there are only around two awards every year, is it really worth applying?

    Check the criteria above, and read ‘Who is eligible’ and ‘Who is it for’.

    If you think your project fits, it’s worth applying as the funding can be quite substantial.

    The application process is designed so that you initially only need to submit a short outline of your project. So, minimal effort is required unless you are subsequently invited to fill out the full application form, which would indicate that you have a reasonable chance of success.

  • When is the award given?

    The Woodspring Trust award is made at a maximum of twice a year. The closing dates for applications are 31st May and 30th November each year.