Forestry Commission Launches £5.1m Tree Production Capital Grant (UK)

Funding is available to increase the domestic production of tree seed and saplings in England, via investments in facilities and equipment.

The Tree Production Capital Grant provides funding to help tree nurseries and suppliers invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. The aim is to support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply – delivering on a commitment within the England Trees Action Plan, the Government’s long-term plan for the nation’s trees, woodlands and forests.

The scheme is looking to support projects with outputs that will better equip nurseries to supply the trees required for new woodlands and urban planting projects.

Up to £5.1 million of funding is available, subject to sufficient high-quality bids being received. Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs. Projects must have a minimum total cost of £10,000 to be eligible.

The grant is open to tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the sector. Eligible organisations include private sector nurseries and seed suppliers, public sector organisations, environmental NGOs, and community tree nurseries. Applicants must be UK-based and will need to demonstrate how the grant will be used to increase English tree seed or sapling supply.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023 (23:55 BST).

(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)