Planting trees and hedges doesn’t just transform landscapes—it creates habitats, fights climate change, and sustains rural economies. Whether you’re planting a small wildlife hedge, establishing a native woodland, or considering commercial forestry, there’s a wealth of grant funding available across the UK to support your efforts. Here’s how to navigate the options, from government schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to support from AONBs and organizations like the Woodland Trust.
Why Plant Trees and Hedges?
Trees and hedges are more than just features of a healthy countryside. They enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and manage water flow. Native planting supports wildlife, while commercial forestry contributes to timber supply, biofuel production, and economic sustainability.
Grants for Native Tree and Hedge Planting
England: Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
The SFI now offers enhanced payments for actions like hedgerow creation, agroforestry, and shelterbelt planting. Capital items such as tree guards and supports are also covered. Unlike Countryside Stewardship (CS), SFI agreements don’t require feasibility studies, offering greater flexibility for farmers looking to integrate planting into broader land management goals. Applications for new actions are set to open in summer 2024.
Scotland: Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS)
The FGS supports both native woodland creation and commercial forestry. Grants cover planting, deer fencing, and ongoing maintenance, with additional incentives for enhancing biodiversity or creating riparian woodlands.
Wales: Glastir Woodland Creation
Aimed at improving biodiversity and tackling climate change, this scheme funds planting and maintenance of native species, while also allowing for mixed-use projects combining native and productive forestry.
Northern Ireland: Forest Expansion Scheme
This scheme supports native and commercial woodland creation. It funds planting, fencing, and ongoing care while prioritizing projects that align with biodiversity goals.
AONBs and Local Authority Grants
Grants from AONBs, like East Devon AONB, often fund hedgerow planting, small woodlands, and rewilding initiatives. Many AONBs in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland offer similar schemes, so it’s worth contacting your local office to explore options.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust provides free tree packs and tailored support for native woodland creation. They also collaborate with farmers and landowners to develop planting schemes that align with both conservation and productivity goals.
Grants for Commercial Forestry
For those looking to establish or expand commercial forestry, tailored grants are available:
Forestry England Woodland Partnership: This scheme helps create new woodlands with an emphasis on timber production and carbon capture. It also offers revenue from carbon credits.
Scotland’s Timber Production Incentives: Supports planting fast-growing species like Sitka spruce, alongside management and harvesting plans.
UK Woodland Carbon Code: Although not a grant, this certification allows you to earn income by selling carbon credits, making it an attractive option for commercial forestry.
Northern Ireland’s Farm Woodland Premium Scheme: Combines native and productive forestry, encouraging long-term investment in timber.
How to Get Started
Getting involved with grant schemes can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable:
Set Your Goals: Native planting for wildlife? Timber production? Carbon credits?
Explore Schemes: Identify regional and national programs that match your objectives.
Plan Carefully: Most grants require detailed planting designs or management plans.
Partner Up: Collaborate with experts like Bowhayes Trees, the Woodland Trust or Forestry Commission for advice and practical support.
Resources to Explore
For further details, here are some key resources:
Sustainable Farming Incentive: www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainable-farming-incentive
Woodland Trust Grants: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees
Forestry Grant Scheme (Scotland): forestry.gov.scot
Glastir Woodland Creation (Wales): gov.wales/glastir
Forest Expansion Scheme (Northern Ireland): www.daera-ni.gov.uk
At Bowhayes Trees, we’re passionate about supporting your planting journey. Whether it’s sourcing native species for a new hedge or advising on tree varieties for commercial forestry, we’re here to help.
Browse our selection of trees and hedging plants at www.bowhayestrees.co.uk or get in touch for advice.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago—the second-best time is now!
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