Any arts and crafts work that has an environmental aspect to it may be able to apply to the Scottish National Heritage (SNH) for funding.

Scottish Natural Heritage is taking a new approach for protecting and raising awareness of the environment has been unveiled. In the future all grants will be awarded to projects on the basis of eight grant schemes to benefit the environment and its enjoyment throughout Scotland. SNH is appealing for any future applications to be based on the new grant schemes. Around £15 million is awarded by the agency per year. The new approach aims to target spending in a number of key areas, such as boosting biodiversity across the country, helping the public and land managers to implement the new right of responsible access, promoting awareness of wildlife to the public, and working with land managers to protect our most special places. The changes will ensure that funding is channelled into those projects that provide the greatest benefits for the natural heritage.

The eight grant schemes are: Attractive places to live; Enjoying Scotland's outdoor; Involving people; Paths and routes; Rural land use - today for tomorrow; Special places; Supporting biodiversity and Waters for life. Also for the first time, SNH is introducing application deadlines for grants of over £10,000. The next deadlines will be 15 April 2006; 1 September 2006. Applications for grants of under £10,000 can be submitted at any time. If you would like further advice you can contact your local SNH office listed at http://www.snh.org.uk/about/ab-hq.asp  or their Funding Group by email grants@snh.gov.uk  or tel: 01738 458677.