Introduction to Tree Grants in England: Navigating Financial Support for Tree Planting, Management, and Health

Trees are the living fabric of England’s natural and agricultural landscapes, contributing to biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting carbon sequestration efforts. To encourage landowners, farmers, and estate managers to establish, maintain, and restore tree cover, various tree grants are available. Understanding these grants can help ensure that your tree-related projects are well-supported financially, enabling you to achieve both environmental and economic goals.

This article provides an overview of the main tree grants available in England, categorising them into planting grants, management and maintenance support, and tree health-focused funding. It also covers the government-backed schemes like the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), Countryside Stewardship (CS), and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), as well as private and environmental organisation funding opportunities.

Government-Backed Tree Grants in England

England’s government-backed tree grants aim to support landowners in increasing tree cover, managing existing woodlands, and addressing tree health issues caused by pests and diseases. Each scheme has specific objectives and eligibility criteria, so it’s important to choose the right grant based on the goals of your project.

England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

The England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) is the primary government grant for creating new woodlands in England. It provides funding for a range of activities associated with tree planting and woodland creation, including preparatory work, planting, and long-term maintenance.

• What it supports:
  • Establishing new woodlands with native tree species.
  • Creating woodlands that contribute to biodiversity, water quality, flood mitigation, and climate resilience.
  • Additional funding for activities like improving public access, enhancing biodiversity, and water management.
• Payment rates:
  • Standard planting and establishment: £8,500 per hectare for standard planting.
  • Additional contributions: Up to £2,800 per hectare for biodiversity improvements and £1,600 per hectare for water quality enhancements.
  • Annual maintenance payments of £300 per hectare for 10 years.
• Eligibility:
  • Available to farmers, landowners, and land managers who are planning to create new woodlands on agricultural or other eligible land types.
• Application process:
  • Applications are submitted to the Forestry Commission and must include a detailed planting plan that outlines the species to be planted, site preparation, and long-term management.

Countryside Stewardship (CS) Grants for Trees

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme offers a range of options specifically designed to support tree planting, woodland creation, and long-term woodland management. These grants are divided into Mid Tier, Higher Tier, and Capital Grants options.

• What it supports:
  • Planting new hedgerow and woodland trees.
  • Woodland creation for habitat connectivity and biodiversity.
  • Long-term management practices, including coppicing, thinning, and pest control.
  • Grants for boundary features like hedgerows, fencing, and tree guards.
• Payment rates:
  • Woodland Creation: Up to £6,800 per hectare for planting.
  • Hedgerow planting: £11.60 per metre for establishing new hedgerows with native species.
  • Capital grants: Variable rates for fencing, tree shelters, and access improvements.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to farmers and landowners with agricultural or woodland land that meets the criteria for conservation and biodiversity enhancement.
• Application process:
  • Applications must include a comprehensive management plan and meet the environmental priorities of the scheme, such as habitat creation or species protection.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Tree Options

The SFI, part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, supports sustainable land management practices, including actions for hedgerow and tree management.

• What it supports:
  • Assessment and recording of hedgerow conditions.
  • Managing hedgerows to maintain healthy, dense growth.
  • Maintaining or establishing hedgerow trees to support wildlife and enhance landscape character.
• Payment rates:
  • £5 per 100 metres for assessing and recording hedgerow condition.
  • £13 per 100 metres for managing hedgerows.
  • £10 per 100 metres for maintaining or establishing hedgerow trees.
• Eligibility:
  • Suitable for landowners with hedgerows and small tree plantings within their farm landscape.
• Application process:
  • Applicants must demonstrate sustainable land management practices that contribute to environmental benefits.

Tree Health and Biosecurity Grants

Managing tree health is a critical component of maintaining resilient woodlands and hedgerows. Several grants focus on supporting landowners in managing tree pests and diseases, implementing biosecurity measures, and restocking affected areas with disease-resistant species.

Tree Health Pilot Scheme

The Tree Health Pilot Scheme provides funding for landowners dealing with tree health issues, particularly those caused by diseases like ash dieback or pests such as oak processionary moth.

• What it supports:
  • Felling of diseased trees and safe disposal of plant material.
  • Replanting with disease-resistant or less susceptible tree species.
  • Implementing biosecurity measures like cleaning stations, access restrictions, and protective clothing.
• Payment rates:
  • Variable rates depending on the type of intervention and biosecurity measures required.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to landowners in areas affected by specific pests or diseases, or under a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN).
• Application process:
  • Applications are submitted to the Forestry Commission, with an assessment of the presence of disease or pest and a management plan outlining proposed actions.

Private and Environmental Organisation Funding for Tree Projects

In addition to government-backed schemes, private organisations, environmental charities, and local councils offer grants and funding for tree planting and management projects. These opportunities can complement national schemes and provide additional support for conservation-focused or community-based projects.

The Woodland Trust Grants

The Woodland Trust offers grants and practical support for planting native trees and creating woodland habitats. These grants are often targeted at projects that enhance biodiversity, restore degraded landscapes, or connect fragmented habitats.

• What it supports:
  • Establishing native woodlands or shelterbelts.
  • Restoring ancient woodland sites.
  • Integrating trees into agricultural settings.
• Eligibility:
  • Landowners and farmers looking to create new woodlands or restore existing tree cover.

Local Authority and Community-Based Grants

Many local councils and community organisations offer small-scale grants for tree planting in urban areas, parks, and community spaces. These grants often support community involvement and educational projects.

• What it supports:
  • Planting trees in public spaces, schools, and community gardens.
  • Creating green corridors and improving local air quality.
  • Supporting community engagement and environmental education.

Choosing the Right Tree Grant for Your Project

Selecting the right tree grant depends on your specific project goals—whether it’s creating a new woodland, managing existing trees, or addressing tree health issues. Understanding the eligibility criteria and payment structures of each scheme is essential to maximising support and ensuring your project is a success.

• Advice for landowners: Begin by assessing your land and identifying areas where tree planting, management, or health interventions would provide the greatest benefit. Determine whether you’re eligible for EWCO, Countryside Stewardship, or SFI, and consider combining grants where possible to increase total funding.

Understanding the range of tree grants available and their specific requirements will allow you to make informed decisions and ensure the success of your tree projects, contributing to the overall sustainability of the English landscape.

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