Grants are available to assist schools and community groups in undertaking well-planned tree planting projects across the UK, preferably during National Tree Week.
Funding body: Tree Council
Maximum value: £ 1,500
Application deadline: None specified
Background
The Tree Council was founded in 1973 with major support from the then Department of the Environment and in 1978 became an independent registered charity. The Tree Council’s aims are to:
- Improve the environment in town and country by promoting the planting and conservation of trees and woods throughout the United Kingdom.
- Disseminate knowledge about trees and their management.
- Act as a forum for organisations concerned with trees, to identify national problems and to provide initiatives for cooperation.
Each November, the Tree Council organises National Tree Week at the start of the tree planting season. National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree planting campaign and a nationwide festival of trees. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of trees and to encourage tree planting and good management.
Objectives of Fund
The funding is for tree- and hedge-planting projects (preferably taking place during National Tree Week), which involve young people aged up to 21, with the aim of working towards a greener future.
Value Notes
Grants of between £300 and £1,500 (excluding VAT) are available.
If the cost of the planned project is likely to exceed the £1,500 limit, the Tree Council suggests that a funding application is made for a standalone section of the project.
Match Funding Restrictions
Match funding is not required.
Who Can Apply
Funding can be awarded to:
- Schools.
- Constituted community groups that have their own bank account.
- Members of Tree Warden Networks.
- Parish and Town councils.
This list is not exhaustive and organisations should contact the Tree Council if they are interested in applying.
Location
United Kingdom
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Individuals.
- Intermediary organisations.
- Bushes and shrubs.
- Willows.
- Fan-trained, espalier or step-over fruit trees.
- Trees planted in tubs.
- Expensive guards and cages that are not justified.
- Plastic tree guards or peat-based soil improvers.
- VAT.
- Retrospective costs.
Eligible Expenditure
Funding is available for well-planned, educational projects to plant trees and hedges in the UK in Winter.
Planting is to take place between November 2020 and March 2021 but preferably during National Tree Week (from 28 November to 6 December) or as near as possible afterwards, depending on when trees are available from supplier (seasonal variations affect this date).
If funded projects cannot go ahead at any time this winter due to social distancing restrictions related to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, then the delivery deadline of the grant will be extended to the following year.
Grants can be used for:
- Buying trees, hedges and fruit trees.
- Reasonable costs of supports and aids – stakes, ties, cardboard guards (not plastic ones), mulch, fertiliser and peat-free soil amelioration products (only where conditions make this necessary).
Trees must be:
- Of appropriate species, size and numbers, including fruit trees, sourced from biosecure stock. Apple and pears must be grown on semi-vigorous, vigorous and very vigorous rootstocks.
- Planted in the ground.
- Bare-root stock, if possible (if container-grown stock is being used, applicants must explain why).
Proposals should detail how the trees will be sourced, planted and cared for, whilst also demonstrating excellent value for money and active educational engagement of children and young people, up the age of 21.
All projects must be completed and payments claimed by 31 March 2021.
How To Apply
Applications will be considered as they are received and organisations will be informed of the outcome of their application within four weeks.
The application form, guidance notes and supporting resources are available on the website of the Tree Council.
Completed applications should be submitted by email.
Useful Links
The Tree Council
The Tree Council – Grants