Caring for the Cotswolds Awards Over £34,000 to Support Nature, Communities and Climate Action Across the Cotswolds

At Go Cotswolds, we’re proud to participate in the Cotswolds National Landscape Caring for the Cotswolds Visitor Giving Scheme. We match-fund every voluntary contribution made by our customers, and this helps to fund grassroots projects that protect and enhance the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make the Cotswolds such a special place to visit.

We’re delighted to share the latest update from the Cotswolds National Landscape, which has awarded a further £34,101 in grants to projects across the Cotswolds.

Supporting the Cotswolds We All Love

Following a successful funding round earlier this year, Caring for the Cotswolds has now awarded grants to nine inspiring projects that will benefit local people, wildlife, landscapes and climate action initiatives throughout the region.

The funding decisions were made by a panel bringing together charity board members, local A-level students and, for the first time, a representative from one of the scheme’s supporting businesses. This multi-generational approach ensures a wide range of perspectives when assessing applications and deciding where funding can make the greatest impact.

Restoring Wildlife Habitats

Two projects received funding to help restore and protect important wildlife habitats.

Conservation Grazing at Cranham Common

A project at Cranham Common will use a herd of goats to help control invasive scrub and bramble, allowing species-rich limestone grassland to thrive once again.

The goats will wear innovative “No Fence” collars, enabling conservation managers to guide grazing activity without the need for physical fencing. The project will also provide opportunities for local schools and visitors to learn about conservation grazing and habitat management.

Restoring Box Hill Lower Common

At Box Hill Common, volunteers and community groups will work together to restore an area of public open space to traditional limestone grassland. The project includes removing invasive species, managing sycamore growth and planting wildflowers to encourage the return of native plants, insects and wildlife.

Helping Young People Take Climate Action

One climate-focused project received funding through this round.

Zero Carbon Schools

The Green Schools Project will engage around 200 pupils across at least five Cotswold schools in a year-long climate education programme.

Students will design and lead practical projects to reduce their schools’ carbon footprints while developing a stronger connection to the local environment and learning how they can help protect the Cotswolds for future generations.

Strengthening Local Communities

Six community-focused projects were also awarded funding, supporting everything from wellbeing and accessibility to arts, inclusion and opportunities for young people.

Woodland Wellbeing

The charity Into Nature will deliver weekly woodland-based wellbeing sessions at the Bathurst Estate for people experiencing long-term physical or mental health challenges. Activities will include bushcraft, conservation work, seasonal crafts and green woodworking.

Adventure Playground for Children with Disabilities

A new outdoor adventure playground will be created at Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture (Macaroni Wood), helping the site operate as a day respite care centre and providing hundreds of additional opportunities for children with special needs during the school holidays.

Neighbourhood Orchard and Wildflower Haven

A former playground in Yatton Keynell will be transformed into a community orchard and wildlife-friendly green space, featuring fruit trees, fruit bushes and wildflower planting. Local schoolchildren will take part in planting and monitoring the site as it develops.

Stepping the Cotswolds

The organisation Steppers UK will bring people from urban communities to the Cotswolds for guided walks and nature experiences, helping more people enjoy and connect with the countryside.

Preserving Traditional Rural Crafts

Sparkhouse Creatives will deliver workshops teaching traditional rural crafts such as weaving and willow work. The programme will involve schools, vulnerable young people and community groups before culminating in a public exhibition showcasing participants’ work.

Improving Accessibility in Charlbury

Charlbury Town Council will improve accessibility along a popular circular walking route through Ticknell Piece, making it easier for wheelchair users and less-mobile visitors to enjoy the area. Improvements will include better path surfaces, new seating, improved viewpoints and additional waymarking.

Creating Opportunities for Young People

Alongside its grant-giving programme, Caring for the Cotswolds is also supporting young people who are looking to build skills and gain experience in the environmental sector.

With almost one million young people across the UK currently not in education, employment or training, the charity is helping address barriers to employment through paid work experience placements with the Cotswolds National Landscape.

Participants receive Real Living Wage pay and subsidised travel while gaining practical experience in countryside management, woodland conservation, invasive species control and footpath maintenance. The first programme, launching in the Stroud area this summer, has already attracted overwhelming interest.

Thank You for Supporting the Visitor Giving Scheme

Every time a guest chooses to contribute through Go Cotswolds’ Visitor Giving Scheme, they are helping projects like these become a reality.

From restoring precious wildlife habitats and improving accessibility to supporting young people and strengthening local communities, these initiatives are helping to ensure that the Cotswolds remains a thriving place for both residents and visitors for generations to come.

We would like to thank all our customers who have contributed to the scheme. Your generosity is making a real difference across the Cotswolds.