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Forest for Cornwall and communities


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Are you or your community thinking of planting a tree (or many trees!) on Cornwall Council land such as verges and open spaces? Have a look at our step by step guide to getting permission to plant.

We support communities to plant trees with:

  • advice for tree planting
  • supporting the development of plans for tree maintenance
  • helping you find funding and grants
  • training in tree planting and maintenance, pruning, identification, and surveying
  • assisting with tailored advice on funding and further support
  • bringing together volunteers with projects
  • helping people to become Tree Wardens
  • supporting community networks
  • encouraging the sharing of ideas between communities
  • engaging children and residents
  • signposting to other opportunities and celebrating trees through community events

Drop a pin on our interactive map to show where you have planted trees

If you’re a community, with plans or ideas for planting trees then we’d love to hear from you. To achieve our ambitious aims we need everyone in Cornwall to get involved. Please get in touch and tell us what you’d like to do, or have already planned by using our Contact Us form.

Any tree planting in Cornwall since December 2019 can count towards  Forest for Cornwall. (As long as they were not planted as part of a planning condition or other statutory requirement). Tell us about any trees you have planted. 

Funding sources:

  • Woodland Trust: Forest for My Place – this project supports tree planting in communities across Cornwall. 
  • Tree for Cornish Towns – improving green spaces and urban streets in partnership with housing organisations and the Fire Service. Phase II aims to plant 500 more trees
  • Landmark Trees - a tree is available for each parish to celebrate an event, place or person
  • Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund Crowdfunder – supports tree planting in communities with up to £5,000 per project available.

Contact Us if you would like to discuss funding for your project 

Parish canopy maps

These maps show the canopy cover in your area (from aerial photos taken in 2016) – they can be very useful in decision making for your project. They also show the % canopy cover for your parish. There is further technical information and a sample map. If you would like a canopy map for your parish please Contact Us

Mini Forests

A mini forest is around the size of a tennis court. It is a new approach to planting trees in smaller urban spaces. They are rich in biodiversity and can mature in 3 years. St Ives School is the site for the first Mini Forest for Cornwall. It has been developed with funding from the G7 Legacy Fund and the support of the Woodland Trust and Tree Investment Ltd. 

Case Studies: 

Forest for Calstock Parish. This project is led by the community who are exploring planting opportunities across the whole parish. It shows how community owned assets and public areas can be used to increase biodiversity and create a better environment. The Parish Council secured funding for the first phase of the project from the Forest for Cornwall Crowdfunder. Residents were consulted and planting plans drawn up for three sites. There is a mix of native species, a new hedge bank, two small orchards and a number of 'foraging' hedges. The fruit trees provide a link to the market gardening heritage of the area. The community is now starting to plan Phase 2, with further projects across the parish. 

Trees for Cornish Towns – Phase 1: 100 trees have been planted at 7 locations in 5 towns across Cornwall. Six sites were funded by Forest for Cornwall:

  • Torpoint – Hawthorn Avenue
  • Callington - Public Open Space at Boconnoc Avenue
  • Illogan - Land at Sunnyside Parc
  • Pool - Brea Playing Field
  • Redruth -  The Paddock and Raymond Road Playing Field

Phase 2 aims to plant 500 more trees in Cornish towns

Utilities Checks: If you are planting trees it is essential to carry out the necessary utilities checks. We have outlined some guidance to assist you with this. 

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form