Grants for community tree planting projects

A new grant scheme aimed at supporting local communities to plant and care for trees in their area is now open for applications.

Funded by Dorset Council and managed by the Dorset National Landscape team, the Dorset Community Tree Fund is open to community organisations in the Dorset Council area.  This includes parish and town councils, as well as schools and other established community groups interested in planting and caring for trees in their patch.

Trees play a crucial role in our natural world, from providing homes for wildlife to tackling climate change.  However, planting the wrong tree in the wrong place can have a negative impact on local wildlife, communities, and landscape.

So, unlike traditional tree planting schemes, the Dorset Community Tree Fund goes beyond just providing grants for trees.  It also offers support for the planning and design phases of planting projects. This extra support can help make sure trees and hedges planted in and by communities have a positive impact on Dorset’s natural environment for years to come.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:

“I’m thrilled that Dorset’s communities can now benefit from this support to plant trees and create woodlands in their local areas. 

“We know that trees are important for so many different reasons. And projects like this are one way we’re supporting local efforts to restore nature and tackle climate change.

“As a council we are committed to protecting our natural environment, and through this new fund, we can help make sure our county’s trees, new and old, are managed for wildlife, climate, and people.”

Community tree planting projects of all shapes and sizes are welcome.  To be eligible, projects must:

• be within the Dorset Council area

• have some public access

• have necessary permissions in place (from landowner, statutory bodies etc)

• have the support of the community and parish or town council.

For more information about the Dorset Community Tree Fund and details on how to apply, visit the Dorset National Landscape website.