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 and are typically capped at lower amounts for private landowners.
The fund is unable to support apiary creation or improvement projects.
Who do we fund?
Our Beelines grants have supported schools, parish councils, charities, farmers, local community groups and private landowners.
Applicants are expected to make contributions from their own resources. Partner organisations such as wildlife trusts and national charities should match the costs with cash and are responsible for maintaining the site after the first year. For other applicant types, providing cash match funding is a benefit (particularly for local councils) but we also consider in-kind contributions such as labour and equipment.
Submit an Expression of Interest
The latest round of the Beelines Grant is OPEN. The deadline is 1 March 2026.
Please use this online form to express an interest.
You will be asked to provide a simple site map and photo of the site. If you are not able to access the form or have any questions about the process please contact Grants Officer on 07471 997344.
Applicants will be informed in April regarding whether their project will progress. Shortlisted projects will receive a site visit during spring, with final decisions announced by late July.
Most meadow creation work begins in late Summer/early Autumn.
Impact from Beelines
Here’s a short film from Blacknest Fields – one of our Beelines recipients who has seen and experienced the additional nature benefits gained through helping our precious pollinators.
Need more 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
- Big Green Give Fund
- The Boltini Trust
- Chalk Cliff Trust
- Friends of the South Downs
- Howdens
- Jude’s
- Lawson Trust
- Nyetimber
- OSB Group
- Our Founding Patrons
- The PIG-in-the-South-Downs
- Shanly Foundation
- South East Water
- Southern Co-op
How to Donate
Help us to support more Beelines projects