Are you a landowner or manager, or representative of an area in the South Downs National Park who may be interested in creating more pollinator habitat?
The iconic chalk grassland of the South Downs attracts a multitude of bees and butterflies with its array of stunning wildflowers.
Supporting our Pollinators – We already work with landowners across the South Downs to plant new wildflower corridors connecting pockets of species-rich chalk grassland. We want to do more!
What does Beelines fund?
Beelines grants can fund costs associated with establishing or restoring pollinator habitat. This could be the costs of wildflower seed, equipment, cut and collect mowing services or machinery hire for ground preparation ahead of sowing. In some circumstances we have supported infrastructure to support conservation grazing projects on farms.
Sites must be within the South Downs National Park. Check here: Do I live in the National Park? – South Downs National Park Authority.
Grants are not usually more than £5,000 – please see the guidance notes below for more information.
Who can submit an Expression of Interest?
The latest round of the Beelines Grant is now OPEN.
You will need to be the person/organisation who owns, or is responsible for the site, or applying with their permission.
How to submit an Expression of Interest
It’s not necessary for you to have detailed information and costs, but the more information you have the better! The process is to identify a number of projects that can be developed in more detail with advice from conservation professionals.
Before you fill out the EOI Form, please read the Beelines guidance document, which sets out the criteria and process in more detail. Return your form to grants@southdowns.gov.uk
If you have any questions about the process please contact Grants Officer on 07471 997344.
Download the Beelines Expression of Interest Form
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for this round has been extended to 21 February 2025. Forms should be returned to grants@southdowns.gov.uk. Applicants will be contacted by early April to be notified as to whether we are taking your project forward. Where technical advice and site visits are required these will happen April-June with funding confirmed in Summer 2025. Most meadow creation work begins in late Summer/early Autumn ready for the following Spring.
Need inspiration?
Watch this short film about a dormant plot at Southerham Lane in Lewes. Owner Gavin Williams approached the National Park to convert the field into a haven for pollinators.
The result is something really very special.
Beelines is possible with special thanks to our supporters:
- The many individuals who have donated
- Aspinal of London
- The Boltini Trust
- Chalk Cliff Trust
- Friends of the South Downs
- Jude’s
- Nyetimber
- Our Founding Patrons
- South East Water
- Southern Co-op
How to Donate
Help us to support more Beelines projects