Funding Opportunity to Enhance Local Tree Production Reopens

Today (11 April), England is set to enhance investment in domestic tree production as applications reopen for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant. This funding aims to boost the production of tree seeds and saplings by advancing machinery, automation, and expanding facilities.

Aligned with the objectives of the England Trees Action Plan and the Government’s goal to triple tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament, the Tree Production Capital Grant will aid in building nursery capacity and ensuring a steady supply of tree seeds and saplings over the long term.

This grant will enable suppliers to significantly increase their production rates and is designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which backs research initiatives aimed at improving tree production methods in the UK.

Previous funding rounds have supplied equipment for projects like the Emmaus Community Tree Nursery in Cornwall, helping address the demand for locally-grown trees and creating job opportunities for homeless individuals. Additionally, funding has assisted Warwickshire County Council in expanding and enhancing their tree nursery, allowing for greater species diversification and adaptability to future climate conditions.

Successful projects can receive up to £175,000 in funding, covering 50% of project costs, financed through the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund. Compared to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant amount applicants can request has decreased from £10,000 to £5,000, thereby improving accessibility for smaller projects.

Eligible projects may include investments in seed trays, advancements in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading equipment, enhanced polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, as well as improvements in biosecurity through better water treatment and refrigeration. Applications are welcomed from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all scales, as well as newcomers looking to enter the industry.

Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said:

This Government is dedicated to enhancing domestic tree production and cultivating a strong forestry sector—essential actions to achieve our long-term tree-planting objectives.

The Tree Production Capital Grant not only modernises and strengthens the sector, but also creates new green jobs and tackles climate change, among numerous other advantages.

Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said:

Funding initiatives that enrich our woodlands and treescapes is critical to fulfilling the Government’s tree planting goals and fostering a dynamic and resilient forestry sector.

Thanks to the Tree Production Capital Grant, we can support tree and seed suppliers of all sizes, and also extend funding to those aiming to enter the field. With applications now open, I encourage all relevant projects to apply.

The second round of the Tree Production Capital Grant is open until 31st May 2023, and will allocate up to £1.76 million of funding for 2023/24 and £3.43 million for 2024/25, contingent on successful proposals. Applicants can submit projects lasting up to two years, concluding in March 2025.

The Forestry Commission will host a webinar on the grant application process on Friday 28 April.

For further details and to apply, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-production-capital-grant

To keep up with the latest updates on the grant, sign up for the Forestry Commission’s e-alert.

Further information

• The Tree Production Capital Grant will allocate funding throughout 2023/24 and 2024/25.
• To qualify for funding, applicants must be based in the UK and demonstrate how the grant will enhance the supply of tree seeds or saplings in England. Projects must have a minimum total cost of £5,000 to qualify.
• Only one bid is permitted per applicant.
• The England Trees Action Plan aims to triple tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament, bolstered by over £750 million through the Nature for Climate Fund, which will be utilized for peat restoration, woodland creation, and management by 2025, exceeding the commitments outlined in the manifesto.

CASE STUDIES

Emmaus Community Tree Nursery, located in Cornwall, aims to fulfill the demand for locally grown trees while generating income to aid people out of homelessness and offering volunteer opportunities. They received TPCG funding for machinery—including a tree planter, undercutter, and a second-hand tractor—which will help them mechanize operations and increase production capacity. They also plan to construct on-site facilities, including welfare amenities for staff and volunteers, which will facilitate nature-based volunteering opportunities for the local community.

Warwickshire County Council

Warwickshire County Council applied for TPCG funding to enhance, expand, and mechanize their council-operated tree nursery. Their successful application included funding for polytunnels and an automated irrigation system, enabling them to create a controlled environment for growing saplings. This project also encompasses the construction of a workshop to store and stratify their seeds. Following these investments, they aim to diversify the species they are able to grow, concentrating on those suitable for urban environments and future climate impacts.

Trees Please Ltd

Trees Please, a bare root nursery in northern England specializing in trees, hedges, and shrubs, successfully applied for TPCG funding to acquire a custom grading machine. Grading, a labor-intensive and repetitive task, has hindered the nursery’s ability to expand. The new equipment will help automate portions of this process, boosting overall capacity, freeing staff time, and enhancing the work environment. Much of the additional capacity generated from this project will focus on promoting the growth and diversity of broadleaved species.