COMMUNITY groups across Burnley and Padiham are being encouraged to apply for a share of a £10 million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects.
The Forestry Commission has today opened the second round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund for community and volunteer groups, town councils and individuals to apply for a share of funding to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects.
Launched last May the project aims to support the planting of more than 130,000 trees across England’s towns and cities.
This second round follows the success of round one, which saw thirteen large scale projects from local authorities and large organisations awarded grants to plant more than 50,000 trees in urban areas.
Commenting, Antony Higginbotham, the MP for Burnley said: “This is a really worthwhile scheme and I would encourage groups and individuals here in Burnley and Padiham to get involved.
“It’s been proven that planting more trees improves health and wellbeing, connects people with the outdoors, absorbs noise, reduces flood risk, cools temperatures through shading, and creates green spaces to help communities come together.”
Successful applicants of round two will not start planting trees until the next planting season (winter 2020/21).
The scheme is being administered by the Forestry Commission, with applications for single planting projects of between 150 and 5,000 small trees invited. Applications that contain 500 or more trees are especially encouraged. Grants will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.
The grant will be delivered as a challenge fund, and therefore requires 50% match funding from those who apply, through either money or labour.
The scheme will support projects which can provide the greatest environmental and social benefits, and applications will be processed by the Forestry Commission. A map will be available to check eligibility before applying.
Earlier this month, Defra and the Forestry Commission welcomed the new £640million Nature for Climate announcement from HM Treasury which will help to deliver against the manifesto commitments to increase tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by 2025, alongside peatland restoration and nature recovery.
The government is committed to growing woodland cover, and this spring will consult on a new English Tree Strategy looking at policies to expand, support and increase engagement with our woodlands.
