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Seabed

Seagrass Meadows Scotland – Seagrass planting fund

Seagrass Meadows Scotland is a significant investment in the future of Scotland’s important seagrass habitats. As a £2.4m partnership between SMEEF and SSEN, it has the ambitious goal of planting 14ha of seagrass around Scotland’s coasts. Details of restoration projects which are currently part of the Seagrass Meadows Scotland programme can be found on SMEEF’s website. These projects range from Shetland to the Mull of Kintyre and encompass both subtidal and intertidal seagrass planting. SMEEF is delighted to welcome applications from organisations who are interested in undertaking seagrass restoration and becoming part of the programme.

Seagrass Meadows Scotland: Round 2 Funding Criteria

Seagrass Meadows Scotland is funding for the specific purpose of seagrass planting and is supported by SSEN Distribution under agreement with Ofgem. To achieve the fund’s aims, we will support projects able to demonstrate how they will meet the following criteria:

  • To be eligible for this fund projects must sit within SSEN’s operational area in Scotland.
  • Funding is available for projects running up to the 31st March 2028.
  • Projects should demonstrate how they will contribute to the overall area of seagrass planted by Seagrass Meadows Scotland.
  • Proposed project locations should consider suitability for seagrass restoration and potential impacts on protected features.
  • Work closely with and include local communities.
  • Be prepared to acknowledge SMEEF support.

Seagrass Meadows Scotland is designed to support collaboration, cohesive data collection and information sharing. All successful applicants are expected to contribute positively to this collaborative community.

How to apply
We are looking to award grants in the region of £30,000 – £200,000 for seagrass planting in the range of 0.5 – 2ha, although we may consider larger projects. We expect projects to begin in January 2026, with all project and planting activity completed by 31st March 2028. The application process:

  • Open for applications from 6th November 2025 until midday on Monday 24th November 2025,for a decision in January 2026.
  • To apply, please first read the information provided below. Download and complete an Application Form and Project Budget Template.
  • To submit your application, email the form and project budget to grants@smeef.scot. 
  • Please use the following naming format: ‘Organisation name_SMEEF _SeagrassMeadowsScotland_ Application Form’.

Who can apply

Applicant(s) must be based in the UK, and all projects must be delivered within SSEN’s Scottish operational area in Scotland The following types of organisations are eligible to apply:

  • Registered charities and trusts
  • Constituted organisations (e.g. constituted community groups)
  • Local authorities and other public sector organisations.
  • Partnerships and organisations working collaboratively with others
  • Companies where there is clear evidence that funds will be used to support benefits for biodiversity and/or ecosystems.

What we will fund

Activities eligible for this fund include those which relate directly to the process of planting seagrass. These methods may include transplantation of shoots, replanting of washed-up shoots, or seed-based methods. The proposed method should have sound reasoning for selection. Associated activities such as biosecurity planning as well as licencing and consenting, where they relate directly to seagrass planting are eligible for funding.

Please note that the main aim of the project cannot be generating profit. As part of this, you must be able to demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and showcase the environmental need for the project, exclusive of the business case. We may request further information and evidence during the assessment process to allow us to be confident that your project meets the above criteria.

Costs that we will fund include:

  • Staffing costs inclusive of salary, National Insurance and Employee Pension Contributions.
  • Professional fees that are appropriate and proportionate to the project.
  • Travel and subsistence to cover staff and any volunteers supporting the delivery of project activities.
  • Irrecoverable VAT.

Costs that we will not fund include:

  • SMEEF is unable to fund statutory functions.
  • Additional activities such as media production or outreach events, which are not core to planting activities, would not be eligible.
  • The main aim of the project must be biodiversity/ecosystem gains not profit.
  • SMEEF will not fund political activity or campaigns.
  • We cannot pay for activities already started.

Before you apply
Please ensure that you have reviewed the following documents before submitting your application:

After you apply
All applications will be subject to review by the SMEEF team. Eligible applications will then be assessed by topic experts within NatureScot and invited experts where relevant. Following this, applications will be reviewed by the SMEEF Grants Panel and Steering Group (you can read more about how SMEEF works in our latest Impact Report). During this period, we may get in touch to request additional information or discuss your application further.

Getting in touch
If you are unsure whether your project could be funded by Seagrass Meadows Scotland or have any problems in applying, please reach out and discuss your application with the SMEEF team. You can do this by emailing grants@smeef.scot.

You can download the funding criteria as a PDF