The Local Schools Nature Grants Scheme allows Early Years, Infant, Primary and Secondary school and settings in England, Scotland & Wales to apply for £500 worth of outdoor resources, and a two hour training session thanks to the People's Postcode Lottery and their funding trusts People's Postcode Trust, Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, Postcode Places Trust, Postcode Society Trust, Postcode Local Trust and Postcode Community Trust.
NB this scheme does not provide cash grants to schools.
This page contains information to help you increase the likelihood of your grant application being successful. It explains what we are looking for when reviewing applications, and how the scheme will run.
You can download a copy of the application questions and terms and conditions here.
Through the Local Schools Nature Grants Scheme LTL is looking for settings whose learners are passionate about making environmental improvements for the benefit of their pupils, staff and the community. We want to work with schools/settings who will make great use of the equipment and training supplied by this programme. The ideal partners will include children in the decision making and incorporate their local community. Applications will be assessed on the strength of the ideas expressed and not the writing skills. You don’t need to be an expert bid writer to apply for this funding!
We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to support your application and whilst we welcome this use of technology to support clear structure and communication we want your application to reflect your setting’s site, your cohort, your experiences. Please ensure your answers reflect that.
From Phase 5 the programme is open to nurseries and pre-schools settings as well as schools. They must have their own dedicated building and employ more than five members of staff. Secondary schools are very welcome to apply. Dedicated building means you must be able to leave your resources/equipment out and not have to pack them away at the end of the day. Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from childminders at this time)
Applicants must be employed by the school. We are unable to accept applications on behalf of the school from PTA’s, Governors, ‘Friends of’ groups etc.
The scheme provides schools with £500 worth of outdoor equipment which is selected at application stage. Please choose the equipment that will bring the most benefit to your pupils, you will be unable to change this selection once your application has been submitted. We have pre-approved all products and you are welcome to mix, match and duplicate in what ever way works best for you within the £500 budget. There is no scoring made against your selection - please don't choose what you think we would like to see.
If this is your first venture into outdoor learning maybe start small to build your confidence and then move on to either fire or tool equipment.
To see the products on offer please see the products page.
The scheme provides schools with one 2 hour training course from a menu of options grouped by level. Please select the one that will bring the most benefit to your pupils. The training will be delivered at your school, and is intended for staff not pupils.
To see the courses on offer please see the training page.
We’d like to hear about how your pupils helped you decide which equipment was selected, and how you will use it. This could be through involving the Student Council and Eco Committees, surveying pupils, as part of a lesson, during an assembly, etc. It can be based on a previous activity and/or consultation.
It’s important to us that children beyond the current school cohort benefit from the project. For example, tell us about your plans for maintenance, what your future aspirations for your school site might be and how you will spread the learning beyond just the staff attending the training.
We recognise that a school is at the heart of the local community, and so what you do has the potential to inspire those who surround you. Benefits from your project may include: a place for parents and carers to meet during the school run, visual improvement for visitors and passers-by, volunteer opportunities in using the equipment, a community celebration of the changes made etc.
We would like to know how many pupils and staff will benefit from the project. This could be those directly involved in the project or a description of how the whole school might benefit. We want to hear how pupils and staff will benefit from the project. Think about how the equipment will be used in lessons and/or at play time.
This year there is one opportunity to apply for an award.
We will open for applications on Monday 5th January 2026 with deadline for applications of Wednesday 7th January 2026.
We will let applicants know the outcome of their application on Thursday 8th January 2026.
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