Our Access for All Fund is now in it’s fourth year. It aims to improve physical and digital infrastructure, making Protected Landscapes more accessible for people of all ages and abilities and from all socio-economic backgrounds.
The Fund was created by Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and is administered locally by each National Landscape.Â
Access for All Fund welcomes new applications for 2025-2026.
Grants are being awarded on an ongoing basis and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis. If you have an idea please get in touch to check eligibility.
FUNDING FOR YOUR PROJECT
Eligible projects:
Grant funding will be for capital spend only in the 2025/26 financial year.
Capital spend is a one-off itemised cost where funding is provided to purchase or invest in a physical item or asset (capital item) to achieve a stated outcome, in this case to improve accessibility for all users.
Access for All Fund FAQs
What kinds of projects count as capital spend?
Some examples of what would be classed as capital expenditure:
- Access infrastructure, buildings, machinery and equipment, for example:
- Disabled toilet facilities
- Replacement of gates to accessible gate
- Additional seating areas
- Improved access to waterways for the mobility-impaired
- Widening and resurfacing of paths for multi-user use
- Adapting a minibus or visitor centre
- Purchase of trampers, mobility scooters, electric bikes and storage/charging facilities
- Purchase of specially adapted tools and personal protective equipment for volunteers
- Provision of accessible signage and visitor information, physical and digital
- Staff time which directly contributes to creation of asset.
- Research and development. DEFRA defines this as creative work done on a systematic basis to increase the stock of knowledge, and use of this stock of knowledge for the purpose of discovering or developing new products, including improved versions or qualities of existing products, or discovering new or more efficient processes of production.
Do projects have to be based within the East Devon National Landscape?
Projects, or applicants, don’t need to be within the East Devon National Landscape boundary but must benefit the area and meet the aims of the fund.
Is there a maximum amount that can be applied for?
The total grant pot available is around £95K. There is not a minimum or maximum amount but we’d expect projects to be around £2K – £20K depending on the scale of work but are open to ideas.
Will the East Devon National Landscape Fund finance projects in full?
Yes but we’d encourage you to find match funding to strengthen your application.
When can we apply?
We will receive applications on an ongoing basis until all funds are allocated.
A few projects we have funded
- Beach Matting at Sidmouth to help people that use wheels to enjoy the beach e.g wheelchairs, pushchairs, trailers
- Infrastructure improvements on the Exe Estuary Local Nature Reserve. Included activities such as widening paths, increasing number of seats, clearing shrub to increase feeling of safety.
- Audit of the East Devon Way Link and Circular routes – this audit will support the development of these routes to become more accessible in the future.
HOW TO APPLY
To make an application you’ll need to:
- Download and read this guidance document.
- Email an outline of your proposed project and estimated grant request to stephanie.aburrow@eastdevon-nl.org.uk. We will advise if your project is eligible for this Fund.
- If your project fits this fund, we will send the full application document which you will need to return before starting the project.
More to Explore
Our National Landscape Projects
We lead, partner and support projects that focus on a wide range of themes, including landscape and heritage, environmental quality and climate, biodiversity, recreation and tourism.
Outdoors & Active
Whether you prefer walking, cycling, running or playing, everyone feels happier and healthier when they spend time in nature being more active.
East Devon Way
Discover the hidden gems of East Devon and explore this much loved walking route that links 40 miles of public footpaths, trails and bridleways.