The Tree Council, with partners M&G plc and Defra, is inviting applications for small grants that support Community Tree Nurseries (CTNs) to boost productivity and improve processes aimed at limiting the spread of tree pests and diseases.
The new Growing Together programme, supported by M&G plc, is seeking to double the number of CTNs producing locally grown trees, over the next three years. A CTN is a group of people who come together to collect seed and grow trees for planting in their communities.
The Tree Council’s Defra-funded Trees Outside Woodland project revealed that there are currently around 80 CTNs active in the UK, producing around 250,000 trees, but many are run in an informal way and need additional support and guidance, particularly to help reduce the spread of pests and diseases.
To that end, The Tree Council is making grants of between £150 and £700 available to support existing CTNs throughout the UK to invest in capital items to enhance and improve site infrastructure, strengthen biosecurity and boost tree growing capacity.
The grants are only available to existing CTNs that have been operating for a year or more and can demonstrate community involvement and that they operate as a not-for-profit. Applications must itemise specific capital items that the nursery wishes to purchase and outline how these will benefit the nursery. Applicants will need to commit to using the funds by the end of February 2026.
The grants can be used for a wide variety of items, from living resources like willow cuttings; to growing materials, such as containers and compost; irrigation systems; nursery infrastructure, like work tables and path surfacing; tools, such as wheelbarrows; and items to support improved biosecurity, for example, boot wash equipment, signage and sanitation areas.
As part of the process, applicants can also request a Defra-funded Biosecurity Starter Kit, which includes laminated information posters, plant labels, Phytophthora lateral flow test, boot scraper and hard brush, and a flexible bucket, among other items.
All grant applications will be considered on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, with successful applicants notified within two weeks of application. The final deadline for applications is Sunday 1 February 2026, or sooner if all funding is allocated.
The Small Grants for CTN Resilience and Biosecurity programme is open for applications. To submit yours, find supporting information and biosecurity guidance, please visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/growing-together/small-grants/. To find out more about The Tree Council’s Growing Together programme, supported by M&G plc, please visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/growing-together/
