Aims/priorities: The funding is for tree and hedge planting projects taking place during the 2026/27 winter planting season. 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. 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.
Who can apply:
- Schools.
- Further education colleges and universities.
- Constituted community groups.
- Childcare nurseries or care homes (charity or community funded).
- Tenants and residents associations.
- Parish/town councils/community councils.
- Tree Warden networks (preference will be given to a Tree Council member network).
- Community interest companies (limited by guarentee).
- Small registered charities.
Groups must:
- Have a bank account registered in the name of the applicant organisation, into which the grant can be paid.
- Hold public liability insurance for planting.
- Have written permission to plant.
Grant amount: Up to £2,500
Projects that are worth between £250 and £500 should provide evidence of:
- Strong community involvement.
- Involvement of local schools.
- Engaging young people in planning, delivery and aftercare.
- Involving a broad cross section of the community (eg age, gender, ethnicity).
- Good value for money.
- Project is part of wider environmental initiatives.
- Access to relevant experience within the group or available locally.
- Trees sourced locally from a local tree nursery and/or community tree nursery
Projects that are worth between £500 and £2,500 must also demonstrate:
- The inclusion of different tree types eg individual trees, hedges, hedges with hedgerow trees or orchards.
- A considered establishment and aftercare plan.
- Involvement of local Tree Warden/s.
- The project is volunteer-managed and delivered.
- Consideration of risk management eg in identifying the presence of underground service/utilities.
- An understanding of the project site and that it is suitable for tree planting (eg contacting a local ecologist/wildlife trust/local natural history society).
All projects must have been planted and submitted a claim form before 14 March 2027.
Application process: Applications for less than £500 are likely to be processed more quickly. Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Tree Council website.
Deadline: 19 July 2026 (midnight)
Contact info: geraldine.creaven@treecouncil.org.uk
Website: The Tree Council- Grants