BMC Crag and Upland Restoration Fund: new grants available until April 2026
Thinking about running a crag or path restoration day in your local area? Fantastic. £5,000 has been allocated for volunteer led environmental initiatives and workdays to improve crags across England and Wales. Small grants of £250 to £1000 will be available to help local climbers undertake practical work to improve crags and promote nature conservation over the winter months.
£5k for new projects before April 2026
The aim of the restoration fund is to get workdays and practical projects off-the-ground, and generate real improvements. Funds are available to individuals and clubs using the online application, BMC Crag & Upland Restoration Fund online application form
The scope of fundable projects is broad (see guidance further down) and we are hope for a good geographical spread. Potential projects must be discussed with local BMC Access Reps in advance to assess their suitability. The deadline is 12 December 2025 and successful applicants will be notified the following week.
Please note: funding is not available for work on BMC owned sites (which is funded by the BMC’s Land & Property Trust) or to equipping or re-equipping work. The one caveat being cases where lower-offs or abseil stations are needed for genuine access or conservation reasons e.g. to reduce damage to cliff top habitats.
To discuss an idea with one of our Access Staff Team email access@thebmc.co.uk to arrange a callback. We look forward to receiving your applications.
Essential considerations before applying
A little preparation goes a long way in protecting wildlife, safeguarding access and keeping the crag looking natural and welcoming. Before planning any work, please read the BMC’s Respect the Rock guidance on restoring or developing crags and speak to your local BMC Access Rep about logistics and sensitivities. Issues to be considered include:
Wildlife and nesting birds
Avoid any tree or scrub clearance from 1 March to 31 August. Always check the Regional Access Database (RAD) for site-specific nesting restrictions.
Legal designations
Many crags lie within SSSIs, nature reserves or heritage sites. These don’t necessarily prevent climbing or restoration work, but special features may require protection or official consent. Your Access Rep can advise.
Landownership and permission
Depending on agreements in place, landowner permission may be needed. Failing to check permission can jeopardise long-term access.
Other users
Crags are shared spaces. Consider how other users such as walkers, birdwatchers and the general public may be affected, and ensure public safety throughout.
Visual impact
Limit scope of work to only what is needed. Avoid indiscriminate vegetation removal. Often small changes can make a big difference, leave the surrounding area untouched and undisturbed.
Fixed equipment policies
Before installing or removing any bolts, stakes or other fixed gear, speak to your local BMC Access Rep. Depending on the site and equipment to be used, permission may be needed before work can proceed.
Think twice
Is the work you’re considering essential to make a route or problem climbable? Keep changes to a minimum so they don’t stand out in the landscape. Aim for the lightest touch possible.
BMC financial assistance
The Crag Restoration Fund is available to help fund various elements of workdays or work required before/after workdays when volunteers are not on site, including:
Food and drinks: Tea, cake and post-event chips in the local pub or café. A small thank you keeps everyone smiling.
Equipment: Hand tools, gloves, litter pickers, bin bags and other essentials.
Materials: Signage, timber, suitable local stone or chippings for path repair, saplings for planting, and fixed equipment for essential access or environmental purposes (where approved by the local BMC Area).
Professional services: Funding may be available for tree surgeons, pesticide application or specialist contractors for high-risk or complex tasks.
Travel expenses: Organisers and key volunteers can claim travel costs, including planning visits.
BMC support for your event
Whilst local crag workdays are generally organised and run by volunteers, office staff can assist in several ways:
Documentation and insurance: We’ll guide you through the event approval process and help you complete the correct risk assessments so your day is fully covered by BMC insurance.
Promotion: We can promote your workday across BMC channels to help you build a strong volunteer turnout.
Volunteer rewards: Depending on BMC commercial partnerships at the time, product incentives may be available as thank-yous.
Ready to run a crag workday? Apply now:
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