About the fund
The Tree Council and Defra are once again working in partnership to deliver the Trees Outside Woodland Fund for the 2026/27 planting season. The fund’s purpose is to establish trees outside woodland to create or enhance green spaces using a range of tree sizes, species and planting types.
This fund contributes to the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, which aims to increase England’s overall tree canopy cover from 14.5% to 16.5% of total land area by 2050. This fund is open to local authorities and registered charities.
At a glance
Funding available
Grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 for trees and supporting capital items are available, per application.
Planting locations
England only.
Application deadline:
The fund will remain open until 31 October 2026, or until all funding has been allocated. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received; early applications are strongly encouraged.
Who can apply
- Local authorities based in England (county council, unitary authority, metropolitan or London borough, combined authority, district, borough, or city council).
- Registered charities planning to deliver the project in England, with an annual income or turnover of more than £100,000.
Application guidance & FAQs
Before you begin, please read carefully the Trees Outside Woodland Fund Application Guidance. It offers a helpful overview of key considerations for planning your Tree Council-funded tree planting project. If you have any further questions, please take a look at the frequently asked questions.
Guidance documents
Templates
Watch Q&A
Catch up with the Tree Council grants team as they answer your most frequently asked questions about the Trees Outside Woodland Fund.
See previously funded projects
Click on the map markers below to find out more about previously funded Trees Outside Woodland projects and get inspired!
Help & guidance
If you have any questions related to your project, the application form, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Tree Council team at grants@treecouncil.org.uk.
Our Guidance Hub contains a wealth of information, guides and toolkits to help you plant and care for your trees and hedgerows.
Find the right grant for you
TOW Fund not quite what you’re looking for? Use the table below to find the best fit for your project.
