NatureFix Successful in Firstport Funding!

NatureFix grew out of the conservation arm of RenCAN, as taking groups out into the wilds around Renfrewshire proved extremely popular and founder Lucy couldn't keep up with demand. ScotGov funding via RenCAN has allowed over 40 community groups over the last 3 years to exprerience nature in a way that would previously have been out of their reach. RenCAN covers buses, lunches, support workers and Lucy's time, allowing the work to happen 3 days a week.

 

Looking to expand the work to full time, but feeling on a bit of a shoogly peg in the current charity funding landscape, Lucy began to explore the idea of becoming a social enterprise with FirstPort and the Challenges group back in 2025. Working closely with their teams, she enrolled on the Ready to Rise programme, which helped focus the idea and build her confidence, and applied for FirstPort's Start It funding to have the freedom to explore the idea. This was hotly contested - and confirmed in August this year! Now it's on to creating a bulletproof business plan, building a brand and website, and booking in groups - creating community and environmental benefit across Renfrewshire and beyond. If the plan is successful, NatureFix will be able to keep delivering for RenCAN as well as delivering public and corporate sessions, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy the benefits of nature connection, and keeping the project sustainable into the future.

 

NatureFix is the first such project to be birthed by a Scottish climate hub. Hopefully the first of many!

 

To find out more, get in touch with Lucy.