Cairngorms Climate Adaptation Fund opens for third year

Communities, land managers, farmers and local businesses across the Cairngorms National Park are being encouraged to apply for support through the Climate Adaptation Fund, an initiative designed to help the region respond to the growing impacts of climate change.

The fund, launched by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), aims to strengthen long‑term resilience by backing practical, on‑the‑ground projects that protect people, nature and local economies.

The Climate Adaptation Fund was created to support capital works that address the very real environmental changes already being felt across the National Park. From increased flood risk and extreme weather to habitat loss and wildfire threats, the Cairngorms is experiencing many of the pressures seen across Scotland — pressures that require proactive, community‑led solutions. Since its launch in 2024, the fund has already supported dozens of projects, awarding £640,000 to 30 initiatives that have taken meaningful steps to build climate resilience.

The fund is built around three core principles that shape the types of projects it supports:

• Adaptation: Projects must contribute directly to climate adaptation within the National Park and align with Scotland’s National Climate Change Adaptation Programme.
• Nature‑based solutions: Initiatives should prioritise natural or green engineering approaches that help restore habitats, support biodiversity and reduce climate risks.
• Local economic benefit: Proposals are encouraged to support sustainable employment and economic activity within the Park, ensuring climate action also strengthens local livelihoods.

These principles ensure that funded projects deliver long‑term benefits for both people and nature. Past recipients include floodbank restoration, woodland planting, renewable energy installations, building insulation upgrades and community‑led river restoration — all examples of practical interventions that reduce risk while supporting local wellbeing.

The Cairngorms is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, but it is also one of the regions most exposed to climate‑driven change. Recent years have seen increased wildfire risk, more frequent flooding and shifts in seasonal weather patterns. The Climate Adaptation Fund helps communities take early action, reducing vulnerability and ensuring that the Park’s natural and cultural heritage is protected for future generations.

The fund is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

• individual businesses
• land managers and farmers
• community bodies
• registered charities
• business associations

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that deliver tangible climate adaptation outcomes while supporting the Park’s broader environmental and economic goals.

Full details, eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found at The Cairngorms National Park Authority website or email CommunityGrants@cairngorms.co.uk.

With climate pressures continuing to grow, the Climate Adaptation Fund offers a vital opportunity for communities across the Cairngorms to take meaningful action — strengthening resilience, restoring nature and safeguarding the landscapes that define the region.