Apply now for Trees Outside Woodland Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Trees Outside Woodland Fund provides grants of £10,000 to £40,000 for not-for-profit tree planting projects that create or enhance green spaces outside traditional woodland areas in England. The 2026/27 fund supports trees and eligible capital items, with projects required to comply with biosecure sourcing requirements and be completed, with reporting submitted, by 5 March 2027. What Is the Trees Outside Woodland Fund? The Trees Outside Woodland Fund is a partnership initiative between The Tree Council and Defra supporting tree planting outside conventional woodland areas across England. The fund is intended to increase tree cover while creating or improving green spaces that benefit: The programme focuses specifically on trees outside woodland, meaning projects can establish trees in community spaces and other suitable landscapes rather than creating traditional forests. Why It Matters Trees planted outside woodland can provide important environmental and community benefits.

Purpose: Tree planting outside traditional woodland

Funded items: Trees and eligible supporting capital items

Biosecurity: Required

Landowner permission: Written permission required for every planting site

Insurance: Public liability insurance required for every planting event

Completion and reporting deadline: 5 March 2027

Plastic tree guards/ties: Not eligible

Fossil-fuel-derived mulch mats: Not eligible

Chemical weed control/herbicides: Not eligible

Peat-based products: Not eligible

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Trees Outside Woodland Fund? It is a partnership initiative between The Tree Council and Defra that supports tree planting projects outside traditional woodland areas in England during the 2026/27 planting season. How much funding can applicants receive? Applicants can apply for between £10,000 and £40,000 per application. Who can apply? The fund supports not-for-profit projects in England that meet the programme’s eligibility and tree sourcing requirements. What can funding be used for? Funding can support trees and eligible capital items such as sustainable tree guards, non-plastic ties, stakes, organic or biodegradable mulch, biochar and necessary fencing. Are plastic tree guards and ties eligible? No. Plastic tree guards and plastic ties are not eligible under the fund. Is landowner permission required? Yes. Applicants must obtain written permission from the landowner for each planting site before planting. When must projects be completed? All funded activities must be completed and reporting submitted by 5 March 2027. Conclusion The Trees Outside Woodland Fund 2026/27 offers substantial support for not-for-profit organisations seeking to create or enhance green spaces through tree planting across England. Grants of £10,000–£40,000 can help cover trees and sustainable establishment materials, while applicants must carefully comply with biosecurity, landowner permission, insurance and eligible-material requirements. For a competitive application, organisations should present a practical planting plan, demonstrate clear community and environmental benefits, use sustainable materials and ensure that all project activities and reporting can be completed by 5 March 2027.