Southwark biodiversity fund

Application guidance

Sections A, B and C

Questions 1 to 17

Complete these questions as specified in the application form.

Question 18: Request for relevant documents

Providing these documents is preferable but not mandatory. We may need to ask for some documents later, depending on the nature of your project. We do not expect smaller organisations to be able to provide all these documents – it will depend on the exact nature of your project. If you have any questions about what is required in your case, you can come to one of our information sessions or contact southwarkbiodiversityfund@southwark.gov.uk

Questions 20 to 21: Are there any Southwark Council councillors or officers connected to your organisation?

We are asking this question to ensure that we know of any potential conflict of interest and that the application process is fair.

Section D: About your project

Question 22: Give an overview of your proposed project, including the current biodiversity value of the space and the expected biodiversity value after your project has been completed (max 200 words)

Please give this information to the best of your knowledge. The expected biodiversity value could include habitat features, a summary of planting plans, and how your project will support different species by providing shelter, food and/ or space.

Question 23: Why does your project need to happen? (max 100 words)

Tell us about why your project is needed, for example, any issues it will solve, why it needs to happen here / now, and any support you have from others.

Question 24: What positive benefits do you expect your project will bring to the local community? For example, health, educational and social benefits (max 200 words)

Describe how your project will affect individuals in the communities who live close by.

Question 25: Aside from biodiversity outcomes, what other environmental benefits do you expect your project to bring? For example, improved air quality, adaptation to climate change, reduced local flood risk (max 200 words)

List other environmental benefits you expect your project to bring besides biodiversity and ecological outcomes.

Question 26: What work have you done so far to understand the need for your project and prepare to deliver? For example, consultation with stakeholders, site surveys, developed any designs or agreed any partnerships (max 100 words)

Provide a brief description of any progress you have made with this project if you have already started. Leave this question blank if you have not started. You do not need to include details of any project planning you have done so far, as applicants are expected to have a developed plan before submitting an application.

Question 27: What is the long-term maintenance plan for this project? Please attach a letter of support from person responsible for maintenance if you have this

It is important you have a realistic and sustainable maintenance plan for your project. We expect your long-term maintenance plan to cover at least the first 5 years. Any applicants who are unable to demonstrate that this has been carefully considered will not be successful. Please include as much detail as possible.

Question 28: What are the key milestones and timelines for this project? Please include when you expect to complete the project (max 100 words)

Include a breakdown of the main tasks you have identified and a rough estimate of when you plan for them to be completed. Include when you hope to complete the project by.

Question 29: Please provide an itemised project budget by completing the table below. Add extra rows if necessary.

Your budget should be as accurate as possible. Please seek quotes for larger items, or if you are unsure of the cost.

Please include details about staff and operational costs. We can only offer staff and contractor costs directly related to project delivery.

Question 30: Have you secured, or hope to secure any match funding? If so, complete the table below.

Match funding refers to funds secured through other grants or sources. Please complete the table provided.

Question 31: Please detail the key risks to the project and how these will be addressed. (Max. 250 words)

Describe 1 to 3 problems you could have with this project and how you will prevent these problem(s) from seriously affecting the success of your project.

Question 32: Would this project go ahead without a grant from the Climate Change Capital Fund? If yes, will a grant from the Southwark Biodiversity Fund allow this project to provide environmental benefits that are in addition to the original project plan? (Max. 150 words)

Summarise any alternative funding plans you have if your application for the Southwark biodiversity fund is unsuccessful and whether this is likely to result in fewer positive environmental outcomes.

Page last updated: 07 October 2024