Natural England - Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply?
Access to Nature opened for applications on 28 April 2008. For more information on how and when to apply, see How to apply and Flagship and National Projects Application Deadlines 
.
How do I apply?
You can apply electronically using the online application system. To register on the system please follow the instructions in the Stage One Guidance Notes [1.5 MB] . If you have any questions about the Stage One application process or have specific communication needs, please contact the Changing Spaces Advice Line on 0845 3 671 671.
Who do I contact about developing my project?
Support in developing your application is available from the network of Regional Advisers we have set up. We have also drawn up a list of top tips that we have gathered from across the Access to Nature team to help those of you who are in the process of applying.
Can we claim Full Cost Recovery?
Access to Nature supports the principles of full cost recovery, and we are prepared to make reasonable contributions to the overheads of running the organisation as a whole, but we will not fund either notional costs or costs that will never be incurred. However we do expect applicants to give us evidence of these costs. Further guidance on full cost recovery can be found on the Big Lottery Fund website, including a spreadsheet designed to help you calculate these costs. This spreadsheet can be used to justify any overhead costs you may wish to include if you are invited to submit a Stage 2 application.
How do I find out the latest information on Access to Nature?
We will keep this website up to date with the latest information on the scheme so do check back regularly.
Who is funding Access to Nature?
The Big Lottery Fund is providing the funding for the Access to Nature grant programme under its Changing Spaces programme. For more information on the programme contact the Changing Spaces advice line on 0845 3 671 671 or visit the website Big Lottery Fund Changing Spaces.
Who is managing Access to Nature?
Access to Nature is managed by Natural England on behalf of a consortium of twelve national environmental organisations comprising BTCV, British Waterways, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Greenspace, Groundwork UK, Land Restoration Trust, The National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust.
Access to Nature builds on their experience and hard work and Natural England will be using the consortium’s skills and knowledge throughout the scheme’s duration.
Where can I find guidance on good practice?
Useful links, a list of key reference documents on access to the natural environment.
Will we need to enter into a formal Agreement with our project partners?
All applicants for Access to Nature funding should seek to work in partnership with other organisations to develop and deliver the project. The level and types of partnerships and working relationships will vary from project to project and in some instances there may be a need to formalise this relationship through a written Agreement. Whilst we do not require all partnerships to be formalised in this way, an Agreement with key partners can be an important way of ensuring that roles, responsibilities and accountabilities are clearly defined and understood. Our Working in Partnership Guidance Note provides guidance on what we expect to be included in a written Agreement and details those situations in which we would require an Agreement to be in place.
