Defra
Two major funding schemes for tree planting in communities across England have reopened for applications.
Over £14m will be allocated to successful applicants across both funds.
Round 3 of the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF) will see local authorities drive an increase in non-woodland tree planting. Community engagement is encouraged, and local authorities can bring together residents, schools and environmental groups to restore trees in areas outside woodlands.
Round 5 of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF) will plant trees in socially deprived urban areas with low canopy cover, in proximity to healthcare and educational facilities. The UTCF supports planting of large ‘standard’ trees and street trees – making an immediate impact on communities and ensuring other organisations who provide planting for smaller trees can continue to do so.
For both funds, there are important developments for the new rounds to help increase applications. These include:
- This round of LATF welcomes individual applications from borough, district and city councils, as well as county councils, unitary and metropolitan boroughs. Previously, these local authorities needed to form groups with each other or county councils in order to apply. This change opens the fund up to many more local authorities.
- The UTCF will now provide 80% funding of standard costs for planting large trees and their establishment costs for three years following planting, compared with funding 50% of standard costs in previous rounds. UTCF will now only require 20% match-funding by the recipient in either money or labour.
Both funds are now open year-round, but the Forestry Commission still strongly encourages applications during the spring/early summer so successful applicants can start their planting later this year, and funding will be allocated to successful applicants on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information and to apply, go to: www.gov.uk/guidance/local-authority-treescapes-fund and
www.gov.uk/guidance/urban-tree-challenge-fund
This article was taken from Issue 200 Spring 2023 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.