WB3: Large wildlife box Grant

About this grant

WB3: Large wildlife box is a capital grant item under Natural England's Countryside Stewardship scheme that provides funding for the installation of artificial nesting and roosting sites for large birds, particularly barn owls and kestrels. The grant addresses the need for suitable nesting habitat for these species by enabling landowners to install purpose-built wildlife boxes. The item supports biodiversity conservation in uplands and pollinator/wildlife habitats. Applicants must ensure boxes are placed in appropriate locations where summer and winter foraging habitat is available year-round for target species, and must maintain boxes through annual autumn cleaning (unless used by hibernating/roosting bats). This item is available as part of Capital Grants 2026 and can also be used within Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications.

Eligibility

Applicants must be landowners or land managers eligible for Countryside Stewardship or Higher Tier schemes. Boxes can be installed for target species barn owls or kestrels, or for other target species with support from a Natural England or RSPB adviser. Boxes must be placed on land where summer and winter foraging habitat is available all year for the target species. The scheme is available across England. Applicants must comply with Capital Grants 2026 rules or CSHT rules if applying through Higher Tier.

Key requirements

• ✓Must be an eligible land manager or landowner
• ✓Installation must meet Natural England specifications for large wildlife boxes
• ✓Grant amount varies; see listing for specific rates
• ✓Likely requires land in England and compliance with scheme rules

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Natural England offer?

WB3: Large wildlife box offers $138.

Who can apply for WB3: Large wildlife box?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB; local-authority, nonprofit, social-enterprise, community-group, individual. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.