Search

Applications now open for Darwin Plus Local Round 8

Darwin Plus Local funds projects that protect the unique biodiversity of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) and improve resilience to climate change. The scheme supports small-scale environmental projects delivered within the UKOTs, helping to improve outcomes for biodiversity, build local capacity, and contribute to local economies.

Applications to Darwin Plus Local are submitted through a single-stage application process and are welcomed from both organisations and individuals.

Project duration and timelines

Darwin Plus Local Round 8 will support projects with:

• A maximum 12-month implementation period
• An expected start date from 1^st April 2027
• A completion date of no later than 31^st March 2028

Application deadline

• The deadline for applications is Monday 23^rd November 2026.

Funding available

This round provides grants of:

• Up to £50,000 for organisations
• Up to £20,000 for individuals

Darwin Plus Local Round 8 pre-application webinar

We are hosting a webinar for prospective applicants to provide an overview of the Darwin Plus Local scheme, the application process, and an opportunity to ask questions.

Webinar registration details: 

• Date: Thursday 22^nd October 2026 

• Time: 3 – 4:30pm (UK time / GMT+1) 

• Register: Click here to register

Please read the Darwin Plus Local application guidance before attending. The guidance is available on the Apply page of the website.

A recording of the webinar and a copy of the presentation slides will be added to the Workshops and Webinars page under Resources on our website.

If you’d like to see examples of application forms and reports from funded projects, head to the Projects section of the Darwin Plus website. Here you can search through projects by funding round, scheme, country, institution, biomes and ecosystems, as well as by Project Leader.

Good luck to all applicants - we can’t wait to see your submissions!

Please note the following:

This round of Darwin Plus Local will be available for:

• ODA projects that implement tried and tested methods and environmental solutions to contribute towards biodiversity and conservation.

• Non-ODA research and development, capital expenditure projects, or projects that implement tried and tested methods and environmental solutions to contribute towards biodiversity and conservation.

Following the Multiyear Spending Review, the UK Government has committed to make more than £9 million per year available for Darwin Plus until March 2029. Funding beyond March 2029 for Darwin Plus will be requested via the next Spending Review. Therefore, funding for projects that go beyond this date is not guaranteed. Applicants must note and accept this risk before sending their proposals to Defra and manage any commitments associated with the proposal, accordingly.

Applications for projects in the British Indian Ocean Territory remain welcome, will be processed as normal, and successful applications honoured.