Deadline: 17-Dec-2025
The Paddle Trust is offering grants to support community-led projects that improve access to waterways and protect natural blue spaces in the UK. Funding ranges from £500 to £10,000 for initiatives that create sustainable launching sites, enhance water access for all abilities, and conserve rivers, coasts, and other water environments.
Overview of the Initiative
The Paddle Trust has launched a funding opportunity for projects that enhance public access to water and protect natural blue spaces. The initiative targets community-led efforts to create or improve launching and landing sites, support inclusive paddlesport participation, and preserve rivers, coastlines, and other water environments. Key objectives include:
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Increasing public access points for all forms of paddlesport.
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Developing durable, sustainable launching and landing sites suitable for all abilities.
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Protecting and enhancing natural blue spaces such as rivers and coastal areas.
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Supporting community-led initiatives that are ready to implement, with planning permissions, quotes, local support, and evidence of additional funding or partnerships.
Why the Initiative Matters
Accessible and well-managed waterways support community recreation, health, and environmental stewardship. This initiative helps:
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Encourage inclusive participation in paddlesport across all ages and abilities.
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Strengthen community engagement through local projects and partnerships.
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Protect and enhance natural water environments, ensuring sustainable recreational use.
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Promote responsible and durable infrastructure that balances recreation and environmental conservation.
Who is Eligible?
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Paddling clubs and community groups.
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Parish councils and local authorities.
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Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in paddlesport and environmental protection.
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Organizations collaborating with local paddlesport groups committed to ongoing facility use.
Funding and Grant Details
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Grant range: £500 to £10,000, with exceptional projects above this range considered.
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Purpose: Support projects that enhance water access, create sustainable infrastructure, and protect blue spaces.
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Projects must be well-prepared, community-backed, and demonstrate steps toward securing additional funding or partnerships.
How the Program Works
1. Project Preparation
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Ensure planning permission is researched and granted, or agreed in principle.
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Obtain quotes for work and demonstrate project feasibility.
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Secure support from local groups or partners.
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Show evidence of attempts to obtain funding from other organizations or matched funding.
2. Project Implementation
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Construct or improve launching and landing sites for paddlesport participation.
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Ensure sites are durable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
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Protect and enhance rivers, coastlines, and other blue spaces used by the community.
3. Community Engagement
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Collaborate with local paddlesport groups and organizations.
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Promote ongoing participation and use of facilities.
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Foster awareness and stewardship of natural water environments.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Submitting projects without planning permissions or necessary approvals. Tip: Confirm permissions before applying.
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Mistake: Lack of community or partner support. Tip: Engage local stakeholders early to demonstrate backing.
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Mistake: Ignoring environmental sustainability. Tip: Use sustainable materials and practices in project design.
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Mistake: Not showing additional funding or partnerships. Tip: Document attempts at external funding or provide evidence of matched funding.
FAQ
1. What is the goal of the Paddle Trust funding?
To improve public access to water for paddlesport and protect natural blue spaces in the UK.
2. Who can apply for these grants?
Paddling clubs, community groups, parish councils, local authorities, individuals, and organizations collaborating with paddlesport groups.
3. What is the funding range?
£500 to £10,000, with exceptional projects considered above this range.
4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that create or enhance launching and landing sites, increase water access, and protect rivers, coastlines, or other natural blue spaces.
5. What preparation is required before applying?
Projects must be “ready to go” with planning permissions, quotes, local support, and evidence of additional funding or partnerships.
6. Why is community engagement important?
It ensures ongoing use of facilities, fosters local support, and strengthens stewardship of natural waterways.
7. How does the initiative support environmental protection?
By promoting sustainable construction, responsible use of waterways, and conservation of rivers, coasts, and other blue spaces.
Conclusion
The Paddle Trust funding empowers communities to develop durable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible water access points. By supporting projects that enhance paddlesport participation and protect natural blue spaces, the initiative strengthens community engagement, sustainability, and stewardship of waterways across the UK.
For more information, visit Paddle Trust.