£8.8m fund announced for England tree production

Tree nurseries and suppliers may apply for up to £175,000 in grant funding for projects to improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. For example, a successful project may propose investing in new transplanting systems and grading machines, or in improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems.

The money, which can be used to cover up to 50% of project costs, will come from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund.

Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith said: “With demand for trees set to grow dramatically over the coming years as we pursue our ambitious tree planting targets, fostering a robust forestry industry is critical.

“Supporting the sector with this new funding will safeguard sapling supply chains, create new green jobs and help to realise our long-term vision for our trees and woodlands.”

The Tree Production Capital Grant is open to tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the sector. Applications close on Thursday 30 June.

For more information on eligibility, see the guidance on GOV.uk.

Jack Clough, Grant Manager at the Forestry Commission, will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday 8 June to answer any further questions. Sign up here.