Derbyshire Wildlife Trust named Best of British Fund Winner 2026

Airbnb has today announced that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is among the inaugural winners of its Best of British Fund, a £1 million initiative launched in partnership with Visit Britain to fuel local hospitality, boost tourism in communities across the UK, and celebrate the traditions and experiences that make British travel unique and unforgettable.

Over twenty small businesses and enterprises have been granted funding to help drive tourism in their local communities and fuel economic growth.

This year’s winners showcase the very best of what Britain has to offer – helping travellers discover authentic local culture, and supporting the small businesses and organisations at the heart of their communities.

After reviewing thousands of outstanding applications across the UK, Airbnb announced its final twenty-five winners who will be provided with a grant to help transform their local projects into must-see visitor experiences.

With this funding, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will make wild spaces even more accessible. Plans include creating engaging walk-through videos so visitors can ‘know before they go’, installing beautifully designed welcome features, orientation boards, waymarkers, and locally sourced, accessible visitor furniture. The Trust is also exploring citizen science opportunities, such as fixed-point photography and digital wild maps, to allow visitors to actively monitor and engage with this changing landscape.

best of British fund winner 2026, airbnb

Speaking about the winning the support, Katherine Clarke, Head of Wilder Communities at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:

“This is a hugely exciting moment for all of us at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Our goal is to rewild landscapes, reintroduce lost species, and create a connected network of wildlife-rich spaces close to where people live, so they can enjoy nature on their doorstep.

“With Airbnb’s support, we can enhance these wild places, welcoming more people to experience a wilder Derbyshire and inspiring more communities to take action for wildlife. Partnerships like this are vital as we work to restore nature at scale and ensure people and wildlife thrive together.”

Luke Impett, Partnerships and Public Affairs Lead for Airbnb UK added:

“By attracting more guests, we can ensure tourism continues to support local jobs, independent businesses and the families at the heart of these destinations. This investment is about shining a spotlight on the people and places that make Britain unique and helping more travellers experience that authenticity for themselves.”