Schools Grant Scheme

Inspiring schoolchildren through outdoor learning

The High Weald Schools Grant Scheme supports primary schools to engage in a variety of outdoor learning activities.

Funds are available to purchase equipment such as:

  • Gardening equipment
  • Outdoor clothing
  • School infrastructure such as water butts or composting systems

The scheme can also provide funds for school visits to inspiring nature, wildlife and heritage sites within the High Weald.

Grants of up to £1,500 are on offer for primary schools within the boundaries of the High Weald National Landscape, which can be spent across the four categories below.

This is a time limited opportunity with a deadline of 20 December, so don’t miss out!

To apply for a grant, please download and complete an application form, listing the items you wish to purchase and the expected cost (up to the maximum available under each heading). You can learn more about the application and claims process here.

Not sure if your school is within the High Weald National Landscape? Check our boundary map >>.

What can my school apply for?

Up to £1000 for:

Children’s gardening equipment, such as:

  • Watering cans, wheelbarrows, buckets
  • Trowels, forks, spades, rakes etc.
  • Gardening gloves, kneeling pads

Children’s outdoor clothing/equipment, e.g:

  • Wellies
  • Waterproofs
  • Species identification materials
  • Nature studies equipment

School gardening infrastructure, e.g:

  • Water butts
  • Compost bins
  • Wormeries
  • Window boxes

An additional £500 is available for nature, wildlife and heritage visits within the High Weald, to cover:

  • Transport
  • Entrance fees

If you have other requirements not included in the lists above, please contact lucy.bowyer@highweald.org and we will be able to advise if your request would be eligible under this grant scheme.

two children crouching in a field, searching for bugs

How does the application process work?

Applying for a grant:

  • To apply for a grant, please download and complete an application form, listing the items you wish to purchase and the expected cost (up to the maximum amount of £1,500).

Putting in your claim:

  • Once your application has been submitted and received approval, you will need to purchase the items and submit your claim form by 15 February 2025 
  • Evidence of the expenditure, such as receipts and bank statements, must be submitted with your claim
  • Please note we will not be able to make advance payments.

Receiving your grant:

  • Once received and verified, your claim will be reimbursed at the actual cost, provided it is within 10% of the expected amount submitted in your application.

The High Weald National Landscape (HWNL) administers these grants to help schools connect with education sites and providers. The HWNL bears no responsibility for the services/products provided by these organisations; schools are responsible for checking appropriate safety standards and liability insurance when using an outside organisation and should follow the government guidance when planning any educational visits.