Peatland Training Fund

Peatland ACTION is a national programme to restore peatlands across Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government.  As important carbon stores, peatlands are critical in our efforts to combat climate change and play a vital role in flood regulation and water quality as well as supporting nationally and internationally important biodiversity. The Scottish Government has committed £250 million for the restoration of 250,000ha of degraded peatland by 2030.

The Peatland Training Fund has been established by Peatland ACTION to support the development of a skilled workforce across the expanding peatland restoration sector in Scotland.

What kind of courses can I apply for?

Courses eligible for funding are badged as such in Skills Hub Scotland. On a case-by-case basis, we are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses, if they relate to peatland restoration. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland or elsewhere will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training here.

Training outwith Scotland will be supported if there is no Scotland-based equivalent.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Peatland Training Fund offers financial support to residents of Scotland, over the age of 16 who are:
•    already working in peatland restoration and keen to further develop their skills, or
•    interested in and working towards a role in peatland restoration.

Criteria for applications

Applicants who are already working in peatland restoration must be able to explain how the training will support the development of their career or their business within the sector, and confirm that the training is not fully-fundable through alternative funding programmes

Those who are not yet in the sector must provide either;
•    a supportive statement from a potential employer setting out the possibility of employment once the training course is completed, or
•    evidence of prior learning and skills development (formal or informal) already undertaken by the applicant to help them move into in the restoration sector

While priority will be given to new applicants, repeat applications may be made, but no more than one application per month can be submitted.

Funding

•    Normally, a grant of up to £1000 per application will be awarded, at 50% of total course costs.
•    In exceptional circumstances, a higher intervention rate (up to a max of 75%) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
•    If the training is part-fundable through some other means, (for example CITB grant funding or Individual Training Accounts) the remaining costs of the training may still be eligible for funding.
•    If the training is already being part-funded through Peatland ACTION, a Peatland Training Fund grant will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

You should wait until you get confirmation of funding from us before you do any training, as we cannot make retrospective payments for training undertaken before approval is granted.

What will NOT be funded

The fund is aimed at supporting individuals who would otherwise not have access to training and development courses.  It is NOT designed to support larger employers, who ought to be investing in the training and development needs of all their staff and should have a staff development budget allocated to cover these needs.  

Training that would NOT be funded includes:
•    that which is a statutory requirement for the individual’s continuing employment
•    training which the Fund Review Panel considers that an employer both could and should provide

If you would like guidance on eligibility, what you can apply for, or the funding application process, email us.

How much can I apply for?

Normally, £1000 per application will be awarded, at 50% of total course costs.

Applications for assistance over the value of £1000 per course will still be accepted and will be assessed depending on the value to the individual or business.  These applications will be discussed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Review Panel.

How quickly will I hear back from you?

Applications will be considered at our monthly Review Panel meetings. If we would like you to provide further information, you will be given the opportunity to do so before the panel makes its final decision.

FAQs

Can I apply for more than one course?

You can only apply for one course at a time. When your training is complete, you may apply for further support if you can demonstrate how the initial support has helped you towards a career in the sector.

What courses are eligible?

Courses eligible for funding carry the Peatland Training Fund badge.  If you can show that a non-badged course provides a skill that is required for your area of peatland restoration work, email us about getting it added to the badged course list.

Can I get funding for a test?

Yes, if relating to one of our badged courses. Please contact us if you have any questions in this regard, BEFORE booking any test.

What happens if I am unable to attend the course?

If you fail to attend training with no reasonable notice, you may be liable for the full costs of the replacement booking.

Who will assess my application?

Our Review Panel is made up of representatives from NatureScot (who are funding the training), together with representatives from Lantra Scotland who have knowledge of accredited training and delivery. Where required, the panel will draw on internal and external specialist advice.

Is there a deadline for completing the training?  

There is not a formal deadline, but funding is limited, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Is there anything else I need to know before applying?

You should not have already undertaken the training before applying to the fund. Payments cannot be made retrospectively.

You can find the full terms and conditions for applications made through the Skills Hub here.

Applying for the fund

Peatland ACTION funding primarily supports on-the-ground peatland restoration activities and is open for applications from eligible land managers who have peatlands that would benefit from restoration.  In addition to direct carbon and biodiversity benefits, peatland restoration is helping deliver a just transition to net-zero by supporting the rural economy through the creation and development of land-based jobs and skills across Scotland.

You can apply for The Peatland Training Fund here