H Fraser Consulting (HFCL) is delighted to welcome the launch of the Nature Based Solutions (NbS) Discovery Fund, part of the Norfolk Water Strategy Programme. It is a real opportunity to back nature recovery while bringing lasting benefits to communities across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, and we are ready to help organisations make the most of it.
What is the NbS Discovery Fund?
The NbS Discovery Fund is administered by the Norfolk Water Strategy Programme and funded by Anglian Water. It supports the development of nature based solutions (NbS) projects that address water challenges in these river catchments across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire:
- North West Norfolk
- North Norfolk
- Wensum
- Bure
- Wissey
- Yare
- Little Ouse and Thet
- Waveney
- Lark
- Cam Lower
- Cam Rhee and Granta
Grants of up to £24,000 are available to cover the development work needed to get an NbS project to a shovel ready stage. That can include landowner engagement, surveys, designs, consents, monitoring and staff time, all aimed at maximising benefits for water security and the wider environment.
Discovery grants can also count towards the match funding required by Anglian Water’s Catchment Regeneration Fund. That creates a clear pathway from project development through to delivery. Full details on eligibility, funding and deadlines, plus a webinar recording, are on the NbS Discovery Fund page.
To apply, email nwsp@wre.org.uk to request the application form. Eligibility criteria and the application process are set out in the NbS Discovery Fund application guidance.
Why it matters
Nature based solutions work with natural processes to tackle challenges such as water scarcity, flooding and poor water quality. Wetlands, restored rivers, and healthy soils can store and clean water while creating space for wildlife.
The benefits reach well beyond the environment. Well designed NbS projects can improve access to green space, support local livelihoods and make communities more resilient to a changing climate. Funding that helps projects get started is often the missing piece.
How HFCL can help
H Fraser Consulting Ltd is a team of hydrogeologists, hydrologists and environmental scientists, with support from associate ecologists and wetland designers and contractors.
HFCL is experienced in delivering nature based solutions projects for nature recovery and water security, from first ideas through to delivery on the ground. Whether you are at the start of your NbS journey or have delivered projects before, our bid writing and funding support can help you design a strong NbS Discovery Fund application. We can support you to:
- Shape your project idea and set clear objectives
- Identify the right partners and stakeholders to deliver the project
- Gather the evidence that makes your case strong
- Plan a realistic route from discovery to delivery
- Write a clear, well structured bid
“We contracted H Fraser Consulting to deliver water balance and flood risk assessments at a Landscape Recovery site where we plan to restore arable farmland into wetland. This work was part of a suite of baseline surveys and modelling to assess the viability of the project and helped us to better understand the relationship between ground and surface water at the site. The team were great at communicating, liaising with sub-contractors, and are clearly experts in their field. I felt completely secure in the knowledge the project was being well managed from start to finish and I was really impressed with the quality of their work. I would recommend H Fraser to others.” ~ Albanwise, Environment Manager – Yorkshire.
Relevant Case Studies
Wetland Feasibility Assessment– Leven Carrs, Yorkshire – H Fraser Consulting
Nature-Based Solutions for Nutrient Management – Fakenham, Norfolk – H Fraser Consulting
Nature Recovery & Hydrological Restoration Project at Attingham Park National Trust Post | LinkedIn
Get in touch
If you are thinking about applying, we would love to hear from you. Contact the H Fraser Consulting team to talk through your idea and how we can help you build your bid.
Find out more about the fund on the Water Resources East website.
