News

NPWS Grants for Small Recording Projects 2023

Date Released: Thursday, February 23, 2023

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is an executive agency of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and is the statutory body responsible for Nature Conservation and Natural Heritage in Ireland. NPWS depends on accurate information on species and habitats to underpin its scientific advice on nature conservation objectives and practical measures.

Ireland has a long tradition of natural history recording. NPWS recognises that the recording community needs support to maintain and enhance its expertise in species identification and recording.

The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to develop the next generation of specialist recorders. Grants are aimed at volunteer, unpaid recorders, or groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited/no access to financial supports for their work.

This is the fifth year of the grant scheme and so far it has supported over 70 projects run by individuals and groups. Grants have covered the entire range of Irish natural history including site recording of biological groups (e.g. moths, other terrestrial invertebrates, bats, plants, marine organisms), support for publications and updating of web sites, and support to purchase specialist survey equipment.

NPWS is pleased to announce that the 2023 scheme is now open. Applications are being sought from the recording community for Irish natural history-related projects.  Applications must be submitted to biodiversitypolicy@housing.gov.ie, with NPWS Grants for small recording projects 2023 in the subject field, by 5pm on 31st March 2023. Please see the Application Form for further details.