The Cotswolds is a special place to live, work and visit.
There’s nowhere quite like the Cotswolds – the combination of rolling hills, the dramatic rise of the escarpment, the historic towns and villages, and our recognisably important limestone grasslands make this place unique. The Cotswolds has a thriving business community and is home to a resident population of 150,000 people. Tourism is an important part of the economy and we are proud to welcome 23 million day visits every year. However, all of this activity puts pressure on our distinctive landscape, wildlife and heritage – the things that make the Cotswolds special.
The Caring for the Cotswolds grants scheme is a way for businesses and their customers to give something back. This ensures vital habitats and species are conserved, and our heritage is protected. We also encourage education and access to the countryside so that residents and visitors can enjoy this fantastic landscape. Find out about our projects here:
Winter 2023-24 projects update
Business membership
We welcome all businesses to join us. The more businesses that get involved, the more we can do to ensure the Cotswolds National Landscape is taken care of. For more information, download our Guide for participating businesses.
Thank you
A massive thank you to all of our members, acknowledged here:
- Cotswold Discovery Trail – Treasure Trail adventures following the clues to discover the Cotswolds.
- Cotswold Farm Park – The home of rare breed conservation since 1971, Cotswold Farm Park offers a fun-filled family day out.
- Cotswolds Distillery – An award winning distillery producing whisky and gin, set in the beautiful north Cotswolds.
- Cotswolds Photographer – Beautiful photographic prints and immersive full scene wallpaper featuring the Cotswolds.
- Country Walkers – One of the leading providers of walking adventures worldwide.
- Go Cotswolds – Small-group day tours of the Cotswolds.
- Heath Farm – Five award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages, set in 70 acres of meadow and woodland.
- VBT Bicycling Vacations – 50 years of designing biking tours to fit any activity or comfort level.
Apply for Funding
Applications for new projects are currently closed.
Next funding round: expected Jan 2025 – check this page for updates.
If you would like to discuss a project idea, or be notified when we open for applications, please contact Nina Stubbington, Grants and Access Officer, nina.stubbington@cotswolds-nl.org.uk
We welcome applications that fit in one or more of our four themes:
- Conservation of habitats and species
- Heritage and landscape
- Improving access
- Education
Grants start at £500 and go up to £2,500. We are looking for high quality projects in the Cotswolds that could be delivered relatively quickly if a grant was offered. In order to apply, you will need to complete an application form and project budget, making sure you follow the guidance document. All three forms are available below:
What happens after you apply
- After reading through our guidance document, to ensure that you are eligible for a Caring for the Cotswolds grant, submit your application and project budget forms to us by the deadline.
- Once applications have closed, we will get back to you with a decision in 4-6 weeks. During this time, we look at your idea; carry out checks and research; then convene a Grants Panel to consider all applications. We may contact you for more information during this process.
- After this, you can expect an email from us detailing our decision and if successful, conditions of the grant.
Wildflower grassland © Anna Field
