The International Tree Foundation’s UK Community Tree Planting Programme is open to schools, community groups, and other non-profit organisations in the UK.

The funding supports community-led projects that enhance biodiversity, increase tree cover, and engage communities in conservation.

There are two funding streams:

• Community Woodlands/Hedging is for planting 100-25,000 trees per year with funding up to £1.95 per tree plus maintenance grants.

• Community Orchards is for planting up to 30 trees per year.

Eligible uses include purchasing trees and materials, organising events, and educational activities.

The Foundations also provides small maintenance grants to cover tree care in the first two years after planting. This is set at 10p per tree for each year and is to encourage essential activities, such as watering, mulching, weeding, etc.

They are always happy to chat through ideas over the phone or by email.

There is a 2-step application process. Stage 1 assesses whether your project is eligible and the outcome of your application will be advised within one month. If approved, you will be invited to Stage 2 to share more detail on the project, such as tree species, budget breakdown and long-term project sustainability.

The final closing date for applications is 12pm on 13 December 2024.

For full details, visit the International Tree Foundation’s Community Tree Planting Grants webpage.