Grants to support the establishment of thousands of trees, orchards and hedgerows on streets, in parks, and in community and educational spaces are now available through The Tree Council – with funding opportunities for communities across the United Kingdom.
The Tree Council, the national charity working together for the love of trees, offers funding for planting projects of all sizes, helping communities boost biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce flood risk, and create lasting environmental and social benefits across the four nations.
Now open are the small grant fund, Branching Out, offering £250 to £2,500 to community and school groups, UK-wide; the Network Rail Community Planting Fund, providing funding of between £2,500 and £10,000 in England, Scotland and Wales; and the SP Energy Networks Community Planting Fund, offering grants of £2,500 to £10,000 for tree establishment projects in Scotland.
All three funds are looking to support well-planned projects that directly benefit people, communities and wildlife. Special emphasis is placed on thoughtful tree selection following “right tree, right place” principles, and considered aftercare planning, to ensure successful tree establishment. Applicants across the three funds will need to demonstrate that trees planted will be publicly accessible, publicly visible, or in community-used spaces.
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom, said:
“We are delighted to re-open three of our popular tree planting funds, specially designed to ensure that all trees and hedgerows planted are given the best chance to thrive for generations to come. We know how bringing people together to plant trees fosters a sense of shared ownership, learning and care that is essential to successful tree establishment.
“All three programmes were very popular last year so do submit your applications as early as you can. Together we can deliver the joy of trees to more communities.”
Projects will need to show clear community benefit and involvement, such as volunteering, education, or wellbeing initiatives.
Applicants to all three funds are encouraged to thoroughly read the application guidance and questions before beginning their applications, and to submit early to avoid disappointment.
To find out more about The Tree Council’s grants programme, and to progress your application, visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/grants-and-guidance/our-grants/.
Top image: SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund grantee 2026, The Inverclyde Shed, planting in Gourock.
