The National River Walks Programme is funded by Defra and will provide new national walks in the nine regions of England. As the North West region already has a river walk delivered, new walks in four of the following areas in England will be considered in the current round of funding: North East England; Yorkshire and the Humber; East Midlands; West Midlands; East of England; London; South East; South West.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Provide improved, more inclusive access to nature that is targeted to an area of higher deprivation.
- Increase engagement with nature through community participation and increased opportunities to enjoy and learn about nature.
- Work in partnership with the local community to drive increasing usage of the route.
- Improve or restore nature and/or water quality through nature recovery projects.
Grants up to £1.35 million are available (£100,000 resource funding and up to £1,250,000 capital funding).
Formally constituted, UK-based organisations can apply, including local authorities and combined authorities, highways authorities, registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations. Partnership applications are welcome.
Proposals must provide new or upgraded multi-user walks, accommodating walking, wheeling, cycling or/and horse riding where possible. Rivers must run within one kilometre of a disadvantaged area.
The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026 (12:00) for decisions in October.