05 January 2011

A new fund from April 2011, the Big Tree Plant funding scheme, will be available to support community groups to plant trees in towns, cities and residential areas throughout England.

The funding (from Defra and the Forestry Commission) is for community and civic groups, or other non-profit organisations to establish community-led tree planting projects in areas that would benefit most. The trees must be planted in streets or in green places that are open to all to visit or where local people will benefit from them. Whoever owns the land must give permission and support to the project, and there must be a plan to care for trees after they are planted.

Groups working in areas where more trees would help to improve residents' quality of life are strongly encouraged to apply for the funding.

More details and the application form are available here.

The next deadline for applications is 15 March 2011, but check the Forestry Commission website here for further deadlines or contact the administrator on 0800 856 7984.