Small-Scale Tree Planting Grants Available

Funding is available for small-scale tree planting projects in Dumfries and Galloway; Scottish Borders as well as land located within South and East Ayrshire that falls within the GSA UNESCO Biosphere.

The schemes are aligned but below is a summary of each scheme along with details for where to find more information.

Borders Tree Grant Scheme

Funding amount: 100% of material costs up to a maximum of £1,000 per applicant per year (excluding recoverable VAT).

What can the grant cover: Trees and appropriate shelters, guards, stakes, fencing, mulch mats, etc. Will not cover labour costs.

Requirements of the planting project: Planting of individual, or small clumps of trees, less than 0.25ha in size, which add landscape and biodiversity value to the Scottish Borders countryside – for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife. Hedges are not eligible.

Who is this fund open to: Applications are invited from residents in the Scottish Borders local authority area only.

Who is running the scheme: This project is supported by Scottish Forestry, Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and private contributions, and is administered by Tweed Forum and Borders Forest Trust.

Where do I get more information:

Application guidance and forms can be found online. For help, please contact the Tweed Forum on 01896 849723 or at info@tweedforum.org.

GSA Biosphere & Ayrshire Small Scale Tree Planting Programme

Funding Amount: 100% of material costs up to a maximum of £1,000 per applicant per year (excluding recoverable VAT).

What can the grant cover: Trees and appropriate shelters, guards, stakes, fencing, mulch mats, etc. Will not cover labour costs.

Requirements of the planting project: Native trees covering up to 0.25 hectare (0.6 acres) on land in South and East Ayrshire within the Biosphere. Eligible projects include small copses, treelines, field boundary trees, parkland trees and orchards. Hedges are not eligible.

Who is this fund open to: Those in South and East Ayrshire where land is within the Biosphere. Approximately 86% of South Ayrshire and over 50% of East Ayrshire lies within the Biosphere boundary

Applications will be accepted until Monday 17^th March 2025.

Who is running the scheme: The programme is funded by South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Forestry, Land Energy, and The Woodland Trust, and is administered by the GSA Biosphere.

Where do I get more information:

More information and application forms can be found at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/natureandwildlife/biosphere-ayrshire-tree-planting-grant/ or by emailing antoine@gsabiosphere.org.uk.  

Dumfries & Galloway Tree Planting Grant Scheme

Funding Amount: 100% of material costs up to a maximum of £1,000 per applicant per year (excluding recoverable VAT).

What can the grant cover: Trees and appropriate shelters, guards, stakes, fencing, mulch mats, etc. Will not cover labour costs.

Requirements of the planting project: Projects less than 0.25 hectare (0.6 acres) that will enhance the landscape and biodiversity of the Dumfries and Galloway region and contribute to improved public amenity. There are a list of eligible tree species. Examples of tree planting schemes include small copses, field boundary trees, tree lines, parkland trees and orchards. Hedges are not eligible.

Who is this fund open to: The whole of the Dumfries and Galloway area.

Who is running the scheme: The scheme is funded by Scottish Forestry, Woodland Trust Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Council, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund and private donations. In Dumfries & Galloway, the Scheme is administered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands.

Where do I get more information:

More information and application forms can be found at https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/dumfries-and-galloway-tree-planting-grant-scheme/

Queries can be submitted to phil.dowling@dgwoodlands.org