What is Trees for Climate?
Trees for Climate is a UK Government‑funded woodland creation programme available exclusively within England’s Community Forest areas. It offers one of the most flexible and competitive tree planting grants available, enabling well‑designed projects that deliver long‑term environmental and community benefits.
What does the grant offer?
The grant can cover up to 100% of costs for eligible projects, as well as provide ongoing funding to support the maintenance of the trees for 15 years. This ensures that any planting continues to deliver long term value.
The grant can be tailored to the landowner requirements and is available for a wide range of projects with varying planting types including:
- Woodland creation
- Low density planting
- Hedgerows
- Standard trees
- Orchard trees
The minimum land size for a project is 0.1 hectares so don’t be put off from reaching out if you only have limited space for planting. For reference this could be:
- for woodland creation – min 0.1ha per block of planting
- a 100m hedgerow/3 standard trees
- up to 46 orchard trees
Key benefits
- Funding to cover up to 100% of woodland creation costs
- Maintenance payments for up to 15 years to ensure long-term success
- Flexible design options tailored to your site requirements and objectives. This could include wildflower meadow, spring bulbs, pond creation (budget dependant)
- Free expert advice and support from our team throughout design, planning and planting.
- Funding for tree guards, fencing, gates, paths, benches, and more
- Nature capital payments (NCP) available for eligible projects
- Option to register with the Woodland Carbon Code
Defining our delivery area
Trees for Climate funding is focused on the main NECF delivery area, with support also available for nearby sites and, in exceptional cases, for projects further afield that offer significant benefits.
When assessing projects beyond the main NECF delivery area, we use a 10‑mile ‘halo’ to determine viability and strategic fit.
- Within 3 miles – simple justification required such as; linked landownership; existing cross‑boundary partnerships
- 3–6 miles – clearer justification required such as; land owned by a strategic partner; established delivery mechanism
- Beyond 6 miles – significant justification needed such as; large‑scale or regionally important projects; DEFRA is notified at the outset.
Is your site outside the NECF boundary?
If your project sits outside the NECF ‘halo’ boundary, there are still a number of grants and support schemes available for schools, community groups, landowners, farmers and anyone interested in planting trees, hedgerows or creating new woodland. See our funding opportunities page for a list of other grants.
Natural Capital Payments
If you’re considering planting woodland, our Natural Capital payments scheme ensures you receive fair and meaningful funding based on the environmental benefits your land can provide. By assessing where new trees will have the greatest impact, such as improving air and water quality, reducing flood risk, boosting wildlife and enhancing local greenspaces, we can identify whether your site is eligible for higher grant rates.
Funding is higher in locations that deliver greater public benefit, and we’ll work with you to calculate the level of support available. This means you’re backed to plant in the most rewarding places while helping create a healthier, more resilient North East.
Find out moreGet in touch
Our expert woodland creation team is here to provide landowners and land managers with free support and impartial advice to help plan, fund and plant tree planting projects of all sizes in the North East Community Forest area.
Contact us