Deadline: 19-Jul-2026
The Branching Out Fund is a UK-based grant programme supporting local communities to plant and establish trees in public and shared spaces.
It aims to improve:
- Biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Local green infrastructure
- Community engagement in environmental action
- Long-term climate resilience through tree planting
Projects must be community-led and focused on long-term environmental benefits.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports projects involving:
- Community-led tree planting initiatives
- Biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation
- Orchards, hedgerows, and native tree planting
- Youth and school participation
- Volunteer-driven environmental action
- Local tree sourcing and planting
- Aftercare and long-term maintenance planning
- Inclusive community engagement
- Environmental education and awareness
Funding Levels
Small Grants (£250–£500)
Projects must demonstrate:
- Strong community participation
- Involvement of young people or schools
- Value for money
- Connection to wider environmental initiatives
Larger Grants (£500–£2,500)
Projects must additionally include:
- Orchards or hedgerow planting
- Clear aftercare and maintenance plans
- Volunteer-led implementation
- Involvement of Tree Warden networks
- Evidence of suitable planting sites
What the Fund Supports
Eligible costs include:
- Native UK-sourced bare-root trees
- Hedging plants and orchard trees
- Hedge and tree protection materials
- Stakes, ties, and guards (non-plastic or biodegradable)
- Mulch and peat-free compost
- Irrigation equipment
What the Fund Does NOT Support
The programme does not fund:
- Imported tree stock
- Invasive species
- Heavy machinery or equipment hire
- Contractor labour costs
- Peat-based products
- Retrospective (already completed) projects
Eligible Applicants
The following organisations can apply:
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Constituted community groups
- Childcare nurseries and care homes (charity/community funded)
- Tenants and residents associations
- Parish and town councils
- Tree Warden Networks
- Community Interest Companies (limited by guarantee)
- Small registered charities
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold public liability insurance
- Have written permission for planting sites
- Maintain a non-personal organisational bank account
- Ensure community involvement in project delivery
Project Requirements
Successful projects must demonstrate:
- Strong local community engagement
- Active volunteer participation
- Youth and school involvement
- Clear aftercare and maintenance planning
- Appropriate site selection and preparation
- Use of native and locally sourced trees
- Long-term environmental sustainability
Evaluation Priorities
Applications are assessed based on:
- Community involvement and inclusivity
- Environmental and biodiversity impact
- Quality of planting and aftercare plan
- Value for money
- Youth and educational engagement
- Long-term sustainability of tree establishment
Why This Fund Matters
The Branching Out Fund strengthens local environmental action by enabling communities to actively restore and improve their natural surroundings.
It helps:
- Increase UK tree cover and biodiversity
- Improve local climate resilience
- Support environmental education and youth engagement
- Strengthen community ownership of green spaces
- Promote sustainable land use practices
Conclusion
The Branching Out Fund provides £250 to £2,500 for community-led tree planting projects across the UK. By prioritizing native species, volunteer participation, and long-term care, the programme supports biodiversity, climate action, and stronger community engagement with local environments.
For more information, visit The Tree Council.