eAlert: 10 May 2021 - Urban Tree Challenge Fund reopens
Published 10 May 2021
Applies to England
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1. 10 May 2021
2. Nature for Climate Fund
We are committed to protecting and restoring our natural environment. This spring we will be making a series of Nature for Climate Fund announcements. This will lead up to the publication of the government’s action plan on trees, woodland and forestry to increase tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by 2025.
In recent months, we have announced £12.1 million of investment for tree planting in Community Forests across the country, as well as a new £3.9 million pot to support innovative planting schemes in towns and cities and near rivers to reduce flood risk.
3. Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds due to open soon
3.1 Aimed at supporting forestry businesses.
Defra have announced today our new £1 million Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund. It is due to open in May and will focus on improving the condition of existing woodlands. The aim of this scheme, as part of government’s Nature for Climate Fund, is to increase the area of woodland in active management to improve their ecological condition, help them adapt to a changing climate and recover from the impacts of pests and diseases. The scheme is aimed at forestry businesses and conservation organisations who are in a position to help owners better manage their existing woodlands. You can find more information on our Woods into Management GOV.UK page.
4. Apply now for the Urban Tree Challenge Fund
4.1 44,000 trees to be planted as the fund reopens.
Thousands of trees will be planted near schools and healthcare centres and in areas with fewer trees and higher social deprivation, as the Urban Tree Challenge Fund has re-opened for applications. Applications are now open for both block bids and individual applications, with the application window closing at 23:59 on 25 July 2021.
The fund has reopened following the success of the first two rounds where a combined total of up to 134,000 new trees will be planted across England’s towns and cities.
Forestry Commission Chair Sir William Worsley said:
The pandemic has shown us just how important trees and nature is, wherever you live.
Through targeting funding toward areas where they will have the biggest benefits, including near healthcare and educational facilities, this fund will deliver increased benefits for health and wellbeing, as well as contributing towards the government’s ambition to increase woodland creation across England.
Over the next two years, up to £6 million will be available for planting in addition to necessary maintenance payments and successful applicants are match-funding the money they receive.
Grants will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.
Apply for the Urban Tree Challenge fund on our GOV.UK page.