Nature Fund

The Nature Fund (previously called the John Spedan Lewis Foundation) supports the understanding, protection and restoration of the natural world. With the help of grants, awards and bursaries, we can continue this important work while also improving participation opportunities for under-represented groups, both in terms of candidates and project beneficiaries.

Our story

The original John Spedan Lewis Foundation was established in 1967 in memory of the Partnership founder, John Spedan Lewis. Since then, the fund has evolved alongside the Foundation to progress our conservation and nature work, helping to mitigate the impact of our business and global supply chains on the natural world. We want to enable, educate and expose all people to nature, and foster a connection with the green spaces around us.

Giving guidelines

The Nature Fund exists to support projects that protect UK species and habitats, and the restoration of natural spaces. Projects must be UK based and will be considered on the basis of their scope for positive impact. For more details about eligibility (including PhD bursary), please see our guidance pack.

Download our guidance pack

How to apply

Applications are currently closed for the Nature Fund. We will update this page when we are open for applications. If you are currently funded by the John Lewis Partnership Foundation and need to contact us, please email us at [email protected].

Megan Gimber

Case study

In 2025, the John Spedan Lewis Foundation Emerging Leader Award with The Linnean Society was awarded to Megan Gimber. Self-professed ‘hedgerow geek’ Megan spent almost a decade advocating for the protection, management, and growth of the UK’s depleted hedgerows.

Megan manages two hedgerow surveys for the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES): The Great British Hedgerow Survey and Healthy Hedgerows, the latter of which she developed into an app for farmers to aid rapid hedge assessment with direct and tailored management advice. Running training courses and walks, her outreach also extends to the media where she has appeared on radio, podcasts, at festivals and in print, with many feeding back that her inspirational work has left them consumed with ‘hedge fever’!

‘This award is a surprise, delight, and an honour; reflecting the dedication of many. It means a huge amount to me for geekery, passion and perseverance to be rewarded in this way. People and communities are the key to conservation, and our project successes reflect the power of inspiration, education and hope.’

Badger Trust

Case study

Badgers are a key part of healthy ecosystems, and the Badger Trust’s work will help to ensure that they maintain their role as meso-carnivores in the food chain in the UK for many years to come.

The Badger Trust’s State of the Badger project keeps an accurate track of badger populations, threats and recovery – producing a comprehensive report and promoting respect for badgers in nature. With the help of Foundation funding, the State of the Badger project can continue to increase awareness of badger-related issues and promote appreciation for nature conservation in the UK.