The Scottish Government announced the £2m increase earlier this year in its latest Programme for Government.

The BCF adds to the many millions of pounds of funding delivered through the Scottish Rural Development Programme and other sources to support biodiversity and help to deliver Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy.

The fund specifically encourages applicants with innovative projects that improve biodiversity and address the impact of climate change, by increasing the resilience of our most at-risk habitats and species and creating large areas of brand new habitat.

Roseanna Cunningham, cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform, said: “Projects receiving funding through our Biodiversity Challenge Fund will add to our extensive biodiversity work and will be at the forefront of pioneering work to restore our habitats, protect our species and promote nature.

“We all have a central role to play in improving our natural environment and tackling the climate emergency.”

Scottish Natural Heritage Chief Executive Francesca Osowska added: “People know that climate change is a big issue but not as many know that biodiversity loss is also a global and generational threat to human well-being.

“But it’s not just about conservation - enriching our nature is also part of the solution to the climate emergency too.

“Nature is at the heart of what we do, and we will continue to deliver the transformational change needed to bring a nature-rich future for Scotland.”