The water environment in Scotland is not only an intrinsic part of our landscape but also a vital asset; it provides habitats to support wildlife and ecosystems, and resources for our tourism, recreation, agricultural and energy industries. However, over the years it has been subject to impact from various physical pressures, with the result that many rivers, lochs, wetlands and coastlines are now a shadow of what they once were.

What is the Water Environment Fund?

Previously known as the Restoration Fund, the Water Environment Fund provides funding to projects to help restore Scotland’s catchments from the source, down through rivers, lochs, floodplains into the estuaries and out to sea. The primary focus of the funding is to tackle impacts on the morphology or physical condition of these ecosystems. Funding of £1 million is available annually by SEPA and the Scottish Government. The fund is managed by us at SEPA, with support from Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission, and Scottish Government

Who is the fund for?

Put simply it is for everyone; to benefit from and apply to.

We welcome applications from all, including individuals, charities, non governmental organisations, local authorities, and companies. Funding will only be provided to projects that go beyond an applicant’s duty or regulatory responsibility. 

What is the fund’s purpose?

The fund aims to restore Scotland’s catchments where historical activities have left them damaged, often resulting in waterbodies being downgraded in the river basin management plan. 

Projects funded will:

• restore the morphology (i.e. the condition of the banks, bed and shore) of the water environment;
• remove barriers to fish migration;
• control invasive non-native species (the fund is currently fully committed for this aspect and is closed to new applications for projects controlling invasive non native species);
• provide treatment for discharges from abandoned non-coal mines.

All projects will deliver improvements beyond what is required through regulation or normal duties, and contribute to river basin management plans. Details of projects funded to date can be found on the success stories page.