The Forest for Cornwall is offering a free Landmark Tree to every local community. This is in celebration or commemoration of a person, place or event. This has been made possible by Woodland Trust Emergency Tree Fund. Town and Parish councils will soon be sent the information to apply on behalf of their communities. Applications are being accepted for the next winter planting season (2023/24).
Where can I apply for Free Trees?
There are a number of organisations that operate Free Tree schemes. There are also other programmes which provide funding for school and community projects. All of these deliver environmental benefits.
This picture is changing regularly. If you are aware of any new schemes then please let us know as we will regularly update our resources. If you use any of these schemes to plant trees in Cornwall please contact Forest for Cornwall.
Carbon Footprint Ltd - UK Tree planting project school programme
Funding for tree and hedgerow planting. Already some schemes across Cornwall.
Grow Nature Seed Fund - Cornwall Council
The purpose of this fund is to help local communities in Cornwall to grow their environment. Funded projects must deliver a clear and demonstrable benefit to the natural environment. Any locally constituted and recognised ‘not for profit’ organisation which seeks to serve the people of Cornwall could be eligible to apply via the Crowdfunder platform.
Open to everyone. Applications are particularly encouraged from schools and educational facilities across the UK working on green projects with their students. The Eco Fund has £140,000 to allocate to worthy sustainable projects, with typical funding per project being approximately £2,000.
Earth Restoration Service - School Tree Nurseries programme
For areas set up within school grounds. This is where tree saplings can be planted and raised to the point they are ready to be moved and replanted in the local area, usually for 2 years. Children actively participate in planting, tree care and deciding on final destination of trees. Trees, planting materials and guidance provided. Includes a case study in Cornwall – Blackwater School
Peoples Trust for Endangered Species - Orchard Grants
Grants for traditional orchards. Open to any owner or manager of an existing traditional orchard, or existing or new community orchard. Grants cover costs for trees, rootstock and grafting materials.
Free trees for community groups and volunteers. 50 tree pack options include parkland, large garden, small garden and wildlife and shrubs. The limit has now been lifted on how many trees can be ordered.
Tree Appeal - Trees for Schools initiative
Free trees for schools and colleges
Tree Council - Branching Out Fund
Applications are now open for the 2023/24 planting season. Grants ranging from £250-£2500 are available to assist schools, community groups, tree wardens, and small registered charities with well-planned tree, orchard and hedge planting projects.
Tree Council - Orchards for Schools
Free fruiting tree and hedgerow packs for schools – register your interest online.
Looking to support organisations to plant small and medium size planting schemes. It is looking for partners with sites in areas with low tree canopy cover that are:
- outside of London, which suffer from multiple deprivation
- in coastal areas
- outside of areas that benefit from national or regional tree or woodland initiatives
Woodland Trust - Free trees for schools and communities
Free tree packs for schools and communities with two delivery periods per year, in March and November. Choose your tree pack: Hedge, Copse, Wild harvest, Year-round colour, Working wood, Wild wood, Wildlife and Urban trees.
Where 500+ trees are planted as woodland on at least half a hectare, the Woodland Trust will:
- help you design your woodland
- create a bespoke species mix
- supply the agreed trees and tree protection
- cover up to 75% of costs
A contractor can also be arranged to plant the trees for you. The fund will cover up to 60% of all costs for woodland creation of over 1 hectare.