Northamptonshire Nature Fund launches to unite Northants businesses in building climate and flood resilience
A pioneering new initiative to support nature-based climate and flood resilience projects across the county has officially launched at the Northamptonshire Your Business Expo.
The Northamptonshire Nature Fund (NNF) has been created to enable local businesses and organisations to directly support environmental action that restores nature and builds long-term resilience to the impacts of flooding and climate change in communities across Northamptonshire.
Officially unveiled by Alan Ryan, Programme Lead for the RAIN Project, during a keynote presentation at the Expo, the Northamptonshire Nature Fund will become the legacy vehicle for the work of the RAIN Project - a five-year flood resilience innovation programme funded by Defra and led by West Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council.
Alan Ryan said: “The RAIN Project has proven what’s possible when local people, landowners, experts and councils come together. We’ve planted hundreds of trees, installed innovative SuDS planters in schools, trialled smart monitoring technology and supported communities to take action on flood risk. The Northamptonshire Nature Fund will carry the baton forward once the project concludes next year.”
Contribute Towards Local Nature-Based Projects
As one of its first campaigns, the Northamptonshire Nature Fund is calling on the local business community to support an exciting upcoming project: Rewiggling Harpers Brook.
This is a river restoration scheme that will reinstate historic meanders and slow the flow of water into downstream communities, including Brigstock, Sudborough and Lowick.
With feasibility studies completed, baseline funding secured, and permits granted by the Environment Agency, the project will reintroduce gentle river curves, create buffer zones, and restore natural habitats for wildlife and pollinators, all while reducing bank erosion and strengthening the landscape’s resilience to extreme weather.
Alan continues: “The groundwork is done - now we need your help to get it over the line. We’re inviting businesses to come on board as sponsors. Whether it’s funding materials or supporting planting days, this is a real chance to make a lasting impact in locations that matter to your staff and customers.”
Why Get Involved?
By participating in the Northamptonshire Nature Fund, your business can:
- Support the communities where staff and customers live and work
- Demonstrate ESG and CSR leadership
- Offer employee wellbeing days in nature, or volunteering opportunities.
All Fund partners receive:
- Digital partner badge + logo usage rights
- PR exposure via local media, social media assets and on signage
- Annual impact report for ESG/CSR tracking
- Opportunities for team volunteering activities.
To learn more about the Northamptonshire Nature Fund or how you can get involved, email [email protected]. You can also follow the NNF via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/northamptonshire-nature-fund/.
The RAIN Project is funded by and part of the £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency.