How to turn money into planet-protecting measures

When the Nene Rivers Trust secured vital funding, they turned to us for support in allocating money.

Securing funding might seem like the biggest challenge for environmental organisations. However, this is often only the first hurdle. Allocating this funding fairly can be just as complex and ensuring there is transparency around how the money is being used is crucial.

Nene Rivers Trust is based in Northamptonshire and aims to promote, conserve and improve the environment. A big part of achieving this mission is securing investment in the local area. Some of their latest funding has been awarded through the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs), backed by King Charles, which helps landowners and farmers implement solutions.

About LENs

LENs accept submissions from anyone with an interest in a piece of land. This isn’t always the landowner, but can be those who own adjoining land, local councils, water companies or people living downstream from an affected area.

LENs analyse whether there are any other parties who have a common interest in the same piece of land. LENs then bring together those businesses and award funding to make improvements to the landscape of that area.

The improvements are made by way of measures and interventions. In Cumbria, for example, the measures are being undertaken by a group made up of Nestle, Eden Rivers Trust, Eden District Council, First Milk, the Environment Agency and the National Trust. They are addressing flooding, biodiversity, soil health and water quality.

Allocating funds

We supported Nene Rivers Trust by advising on the impact of the grant arrangements, as well as advising on how the funds from LENs, Anglian Water and Northamptonshire County Council should be allocated. The farmers could use this money for measures designed to improve the environment such as planting more trees.

Nene Rivers Trust agreed with the farmers on what the measures are and these were captured in the documents. It was then the Trust’s responsibility to check the improvements were underway and report back to the funders on the progress to ensure the successful delivery of the project and manage the risk of any funding clawback.

An AC area of expertise

We work with other river and canal trusts who need support getting the most out of funding, so we were well placed to provide support and help Nene Rivers Trust make the most impact possible. The AC team are also committed to applying expertise to solve challenges surrounding the climate crisis.

“I’m an environmentalist myself so projects like this align with my personal values, as well as those of Anthony Collins. The issues surrounding biodiversity are something we are very aware of as a team. Our knowledge can really help our clients achieve their goals around improving the environment.”
Natalie Barbosa, senior associate, Anthony Collins