West Cork communities are being invited to seek funding to develop or implement action plans to protect and promote plants, wildlife and habitats.

A partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has already seen 250 communities working with expert ecologists to offer new hope to endangered species as well as the landscapes in which they live.

Central to the work are Community Biodiversity Action Plans which bring together the passion and energy of local people, farmers and landowners with the knowledge of ecologists so that the most effective actions can be identified.

This work is supported through the provision of philanthropic private funds from the Community Foundation and public funding made available from Government through the Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 2025 grant round is inviting local applications for support for communities in drawing up their own action plan by working with an ecologist to map current species, identify actions needed and set out next steps (grants of €6,000-€11,000).

Grants of up to €12,000 are also available to those communities which already have an action plan and are now ready to make it happen.

Urging applicants Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said: ‘Local communities are at the heart of protecting Ireland’s natural heritage.

‘We are empowering people to take practical steps that will make a real difference – from safeguarding habitats to supporting the recovery of species. I would encourage every community to get involved and play their part in protecting the plants, wildlife and landscapes we all treasure.’

Application details are available at www.communityfoundation.ie