Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2025
2025 Call for applications
A fund of up to €600,000 is being made available to support community-led projects as part of the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2025.
Key Dates
The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES), formerly the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme (PCES), operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is now open for applications for 2025 with a closing date of 24 January 2025. This is a competitive fund, with up to €600,000 available in 2025.
Who the scheme is aimed at?
The Scheme aims to encourage communities, local organisations and other interested parties to become involved in the enhancement of their natural surrounding areas and to raise awareness.
Applications are welcomed across a diverse range of initiatives with community benefit from events, education programmes, promotions, publications, exhibitions, development of conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational measures, maintenance measures that support conservation measures, monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects, invasive species and fire control measures, anti-littering initiatives to local environmental improvements in the area of the designated sites and other peatland areas.
Grant levels
Under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme, there are two categories of funding available:
Category 1 – Natura 2000 sites (SAC / SPA)
The maximum grant available is 80% of the costs of the project to a maximum of €40,000
Category 2 – Non-Natura Peatland sites (incl. NHA and undesignated sites)
The maximum grant available is 80% of the cost of the project to a maximum of €20,000
