Trees Outside Woodland Fund reopens with grants of up to £40,000 for council and charity-led projects in England, including heritage sites.
The Trees Outside Woodland Fund has reopened for a second year, offering grants to local authority and charity-led projects in England, including heritage sites.
The fund, a collaboration between the environmental charity The Tree Council and Defra, offers grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 for tree, hedgerow and orchard establishment projects. The total available has more than doubled from its first year. It supports the planting of trees in locations including parks, playgrounds and streets.
Among the projects funded in the 2025/26 year was Avebury Manor Garden in Wiltshire, a National Trust heritage site, which received support to become more climate-resilient following flooding in 2024. Other funded projects included canopy schemes in Lancashire and Doncaster and the revival of traditional orchards in Worcestershire.
For 2026/27, applications must show clear benefit to communities and demonstrate how plantings will enhance biodiversity. Successful applicants must meet a Biosecure Procurement Requirement, ensuring newly planted trees are sourced from Plant Healthy certified nurseries or have a Ready to Plant assessment voucher. A one-stage application process has been introduced.
Sara Lom, chief executive of The Tree Council, said: “In its 2025/26 launch year, The Tree Council was able to work with communities to plant 175,000 trees across 2,645 sites. These trees will bring shade for park visitors, help improve people’s mental health, and reduce the risks of flash flooding.
“They will create homes for birds, insects and small mammals and corridors for foraging bats and hedgehogs – and the orchards will provide nectar for pollinators as well as future fruit for residents.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “The Trees Outside Woodland Fund brings trees closer to people, boosting access to nature and the benefits that brings.
“This money will make a real difference to people’s lives and help deliver our manifesto commitment to create three new national forests.”
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the fund open until 31 October 2026 or until all funding has been allocated. The Tree Council is hosting an online Q&A for eligible organisations on 16 July 2026.
