The Tree Council provides funding for tree-planting projects through several grant schemes, including a new Trees Outside Woodland Fund which is now open for applications from local authorities and registered charities.
The Tree Council schemes for projects in England are:
Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund – grants of £2,500 to £10,000 for community tree-planting projects in publicly accessible, publicly visible, or community-used spaces. Local authorities, charities, community groups, schools and colleges and individual landowners can apply.
Apply by 31 July 2025*
National Highways 3 Million Trees Project – you can apply for free trees to be used in well-planned tree-planting projects that will directly benefit people, communities and wildlife. A range of tree species are available. Local authorities, charities, community groups, schools and colleges, individual landowners, farmers and private-sector organisations can apply. Apply by 31 July 2025*
Trees Outside Woodland Fund – grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 establish trees outside woodland to create or enhance green spaces. Registered charities, combined authorities, County, Unitary, District and City Councils can apply.
Apply by 31 October 2025
Branching Out Fund – small grants of £250 to £2,500 to help community groups to plant trees, hedges and orchards. Small charities, CICs, schools, community groups, parish and town councils and other community and voluntary organisations can apply.
Apply by 14 November 2025
*A second application window may open if funds allow but this is not guaranteed.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for community tree-planting initiatives
Application deadline:
Refer to individual schemes