Who can apply for a grant? Expand Applications can only be accepted from local authorities. We anticipate many Councils will be working with Friends and other community groups and third sector organisations, and we welcome applications led by Councils on behalf of wider partnerships.
What funds can we apply for? Expand This programme is specifically for Regional and Country Parks You can apply for a grant of up to £40k per Council to support tree planting in Regional and/or Country Parks. This can be for one park or support activity in several parks. For some parks, it is anticipated this funding will be used to provide an uplift and add value to tree and woodland planting which is already planned and/or underway. In other areas, it may support new tree planting plans and activity. There will be a rapid turnaround of grant applications to enable planting to be undertaken by 31 March 2023. The grant can be used to cover the costs of preparation, purchase, planting, or other related cost of tree planting. There are no restrictions on types of tree or size – it is important that the right trees are planted in the right places - with the emphasis on planting native species. In some parks, there may be opportunities to support planting in areas which experienced significant tree loss and damage during Storm Arwen, in other areas the focus may be on increasing canopy cover, climate adaptation and resilience, biodiversity enhancement and naturalising greenspace management. There is potential for planting of fruit trees and community orchards to be supported. We are also open to exploring flexible and creative approaches to tree planting outwith the current planting season so long as funds are fully committed by 31 March 2023.
How many applications can a Council submit? Expand We will only accept one application from each Council for each grant programme and so we request that departments and colleagues discuss and agree the project(s) to be included in the application.
What is the timescale and process for applications? Expand Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 30 January 2023. Shortlisted applications will be contacted by Thursday 2 February and asked to provide further details by Monday 13 February. Grant offers will be made by Monday 20 February 2023.
How do I submit Expression of Interest? Expand Expressions of interest must be submitted via the web form. You can access a pdf of the questions included on the EoI form here A word doc is also available here to assist you in drafting your application - the text will then need to be copied and pasted into the web form.
What additional information will be required for full application? Expand Only projects shortlisted from the Expression of Interest process will be invited to submit a full application. The questions included in the full application can be viewed here
Is match-funding required? Expand You do not need to have match funding to apply to this grant programme, although we encourage you to include it if it helps you achieve better value against the programmes outcomes.
When must the project be completed? Expand The project must be complete (or substantially complete and all funds committed) by 31 March 2023. We are open to exploring flexible and creative approaches to tree planting outwith the current planting season so long as funds are fully committed by 31 March 2023.