Nature Restoration Fund update to Economy & Infrastructure Committee
Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-led projects and Council initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment.
The Nature Restoration Fund report provided Members with an update on the Scottish Government-funded programme.
Since 2021, the Council has secured £1.85 million through the Nature Restoration Fund. This investment has supported a wide range of projects aimed at restoring nature, safeguarding wildlife, and tackling biodiversity loss across the Highlands.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, councillor Ken Gowans said: "We are seeing first-hand the positive impact that this funding is having in communities across the Highlands. By investing in both community-led projects and Council initiatives, we are supporting practical action on the ground that restores habitats, protects species and strengthens our natural environment.
"The range of projects supported is hugely impressive and reflects the passion and commitment of our communities. From coastal and river restoration to woodland management and biodiversity enhancements, this funding is delivering real benefits - not just for nature, but for people’s wellbeing, local pride and future sustainability."
To date, £918,707 has been committed to community grants, supporting 96 projects delivered by 45 organisations.
During 2025/26, £323,584 has been allocated to community-led initiatives, ranging from native oyster restoration in Lochaber and dune resilience work in Nairn, to wildflower meadow creation, woodland regeneration and river restoration projects across the region.
Alongside the community grant scheme, significant funding has also supported Council-led projects. These include tree planting, grassland management, wildflower roundabouts, invasive species removal, biodiversity planning, and the development of nature networks to improve ecological connectivity.
In approving the report, Members agreed to continue with existing governance arrangements for any future funding, including delegated decision-making to ensure projects can be delivered within tight timescales. They also agreed a flexible approach to future allocations, with the option to prioritise in-house Council projects if overall funding is reduced.
The Committee further recognised the importance of continuing work already underway, including the development of Local Nature Conservation Sites, nature network mapping, and exploring opportunities for a Local Environmental Records Centre.
Councillor Ken Gowans added: "I’m delighted that we have been able to approve all recommendations, ensuring we can continue to make the most of this vital funding, support local projects and build on the strong progress already achieved."
Examples of how funding has been allocated across the area for 2025/26 include:
- Black Isle: £30,995 supporting biodiversity enhancement and coastal bird conservation
- Caithness: £9,100 for biodiversity improvements
- Easter Ross: £17,482 supporting habitat restoration and fisheries projects
- Inverness: £51,696 for initiatives including local nature reserves, meadow creation and wetland projects
- Lochalsh: £13,798 for woodland regeneration
- Lochaber: £92,033 supporting projects such as native oyster restoration, rainforest recovery and community habitat improvements
- Nairn: £20,110 for dune resilience work
- Ross-shire: £26,387 for river restoration, invasive species removal and community nature projects
- Skye: £8,500 for community woodland restoration & £2,620 for community garden biodiversity enhancements
- Speyside: £35,552 focused on species recovery and habitat restoration
- Sutherland: £6,507 supporting freshwater and meadow restoration
- Wester Ross: £3,439 for pond restoration
A further report on 2025/26 allocations will be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.