Each summer the International Tree Foundation (ITF) issues a ‘call for proposals’ and invites people to send it their ideas. Projects can be small, such as planting a community woodland or orchard, or they can be larger scale, such as landscape restoration or rewilding. The Foundation is open to all kinds of project types and ideas.

ITF’s UK Community Tree Planting Programme represents a means of contributing to the much-needed reforestation of the UK. At just 13%, the UK has one of the lowest tree covers in Europe (average 35% in the EU). This programme aims to unlock many benefits brought about by tree planting. ITF believes local communities know what type of project is appropriate for their area and landscape.

The Foundation is currently inviting applications to its 2023/24 UK Community Tree Planting Programme to support grassroots community engagement in tree planting.
ITF’s priorities are to support community-based tree planting initiatives that meet the following essential criteria:

o Based in the UK.
o Plant trees in public/publicly-accessible spaces: sites that are readily accessible to the public, including schools, parks, rights of way, and sites managed by community groups.
o Plant indigenous tree species (this may include traditional fruit trees and ‘honorary’ natives where appropriate).
o Engage community members in tree planting and enjoying the benefits of woodlands, and
o Have clear plans for maintenance and sustainability.

The ITF is also interested in applications which meet one of more of the following additional criteria:

o Conserve existing ancient trees and indigenous woodlands as well as new planting.
o Create biodiversity habitat.
o Conserve soil and water.
o Demonstrate new approaches such as agroforestry.
o Engage children and young adults in tree planting and learning about trees.
o Engage vulnerable groups and groups with low access to woodlands.
o Support rewilding and natural regeneration.
o Support work or research on tree pest and disease resistance and climate change adaptation, and
o Support urban tree planting.

Community based organisations, such as a locally focused registered charity, a community group or a school with a bank account in their name and signed permission from the owner or manager of the land indicating that the project meets all legal requirements, may apply for either of the following two grant strands:

1. Small Scale Projects: a maximum of £1,000 is available for projects of up to 1 year in duration. This could be small community woodland, orchards, hedging projects, etc.
2. Larger Scale Projects: projects to range from 1,000 to 10,000 trees, with a maximum price equivalent to £1.50/tree (inclusive of tree protection). This strand is most suitable for community woodland or hedging projects.

Further information, guidance and details of how to apply is available on the Foundation’s website.

Applications may be made up to and including Friday 15th December 2023.