Applications open for £8.8m tree production funding

Pressure on the supply of saplings resulting from ambitious tree planting targets has prompted a new £8.8m grant scheme that could encourage farm diversification into tree seed and sapling production in England.

The Forestry Commission, in partnership with Defra, is offering up to £175,000 for individual businesses to invest in transplanting and grading machines, polytunnels and irrigation systems.

The Tree Production Capital Grant is open to existing tree seed and sapling suppliers and new entrants to support domestic tree production in England, to help tree nurseries and suppliers invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations.

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Improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment are also in line for some of the grant funding, which will meet 50% of the total capital cost.

Demand for trees is predicted to grow dramatically over the coming years, as a result of government tree planting targets.

As a consequence, forestry minister Lord Goldsmith says fostering a robust forestry industry is critical.

“Supporting the sector with this new funding will safeguard sapling supply chains, create new green jobs and help to realise our long-term vision for our trees and woodlands,’’ he says.

The scheme, which is open for applications until Thursday 30 June, is intended to support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply.

The funding has been earmarked from the government’s £750m Nature for Climate Fund.

Grant applications can be made on the gov.uk website. 

The Forestry Commission will host a webinar on Wednesday 8 June to give more detail about the scheme.