An ambitious project to treble tree planting rates in England by the end of this UK Parliament has been given a £5m boost this week.

Applications are re-opening for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant with the aim of driving the production of tree seed and saplings through developments in machinery, automation and the expansion of facilities.

The Tree Production Capital Grant will support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply. This funding will enable suppliers to boost production rates at pace and has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance UK tree production methods.

Previous funding rounds have provided machinery for projects such as the Emmaus Community Tree Nursery, in Cornwall, to help it meet the need for locally grown trees and provide employment opportunities for homeless people.

It is also supporting Warwickshire County Council in expansion and improvement of its tree nursery so it can diversify the species growth and adapt to future climate conditions.

Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs, with money coming from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750m Nature for Climate Fund.

This years’ scheme is more accessible for smaller projects. In comparison to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant value which can be applied for has reduced from £10,000 to £5000.

Examples of eligible projects include investments in seed trays, developments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or in biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment. Applications are encouraged from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes and sectors, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the area.

UK Government Forestry Minister, Trudy Harrison, said: “This Government is committed to bolstering domestic tree production and fostering a robust forestry industry – actions that are necessary to realise our long-term tree- planting goals.

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“Not only does the Tree Production Capital Grant allow us to modernise and enhance the sector, but it also helps to create new green jobs and to tackle climate change, amongst myriad other benefits.”

The project is in line with the aims of the England Trees Action Plan which aims to see 12% of England in woodland cover by mid-century and woodland management practices evolved to respond to the climate emergency.

In addition, the plan looks to well-designed and diverse woodlands which will be more resilient to pests, diseases and climate change, as well as natural hazards such as wildfire and storms.

Forestry Commission chief executive, Richard Stanford, said: “Funding projects that enhance our woodlands and treescapes is fundamental to achieving Government’s tree planting ambitions and building an innovative and robust forestry sector.

“Through the Tree Production Capital Grant we have been able to support existing tree and seed suppliers of all sizes, and also provide funding to those wishing to make a start in the sector. With the application window now open, I encourage those with relevant projects to apply.”

The second round of the Tree Production Capital Grant is now open until 31st May 2023. and will provide up to £1.76m of funding during 2023/24 and £3.43m during 2024/25, subject to successful bids. Applicants can apply for projects up to two years long, ending in March, 2025.