CFAs: SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund (UK)

Deadline: 19-Jul-2026

The SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund supports not-for-profit tree planting projects that deliver environmental and community benefits across central and southern Scotland. Grants ranging from £2,500 to £10,000 are available for projects involving tree planting, hedgerows, community orchards, urban greening, biodiversity enhancement and public green space improvement.

The fund supports planting in parks, schools, community spaces and other publicly accessible, publicly visible or community-used areas. Eligible applicants include local authorities, charities, NGOs, community groups, education institutions and individual landowners.

Fund Overview

The SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund provides grants to support community-based tree planting projects in Scotland.

The fund is designed to improve local environments, strengthen biodiversity, support climate adaptation and create greener community spaces.

It focuses on projects that provide clear public or community benefit through accessible and visible planting locations.

Funding Available

Grants ranging from £2,500 to £10,000 are available per application.

The funding supports not-for-profit tree planting projects that improve public, community or educational spaces.

Main Objective

The main objective of the fund is to support environmental and community benefits through tree planting.

The fund aims to:

• Increase tree planting in local communities
• Improve public green spaces
• Support biodiversity
• Promote climate change adaptation
• Encourage community involvement
• Support urban greening
• Improve schools, parks and community spaces
• Create visible and accessible environmental benefits
• Strengthen local resilience through planting

Key Focus Areas

The fund supports community planting and environmental improvement projects.

Key focus areas include:

• Community tree planting
• Hedgerow planting
• Community orchards
• Urban greening
• Biodiversity enhancement
• Public green spaces
• Climate change adaptation
• Community-based environmental improvement
• Planting in schools
• Planting in parks
• Community-used spaces
• Environmental resilience

Geographic Coverage

The fund supports tree planting across central and southern Scotland.

Projects should be located in places that provide community benefit and are accessible, visible or used by the public.

Eligible settings may include:

• Parks
• Schools
• Nurseries
• Community spaces
• Publicly accessible land
• Publicly visible sites
• Community-used green spaces
• Local environmental improvement areas

What the Fund Supports

The fund supports planting projects that improve local environments and community wellbeing.

Supported activities may include:

• Tree planting
• Hedgerow planting
• Community orchards
• Urban planting schemes
• Biodiversity planting
• Planting in school grounds
• Planting in public parks
• Planting in community spaces
• Green space enhancement
• Climate-resilient planting
• Publicly visible environmental improvements

Projects should be not for profit and should clearly show how the planting will benefit the local community.

Community Tree Planting

Community tree planting involves planting trees in spaces where local people can see, access or benefit from them.

These projects can improve local landscapes, provide shade, support wildlife and create opportunities for community engagement.

Examples may include planting in parks, school grounds, neighbourhood spaces or community-managed land.

Hedgerow Planting

The fund also supports hedgerow planting.

Hedgerows can provide important environmental benefits, including:

• Wildlife habitat
• Biodiversity corridors
• Shelter for birds and insects
• Soil protection
• Landscape improvement
• Carbon storage
• Natural boundaries

Hedgerow projects should be designed with appropriate species and long-term maintenance in mind.

Community Orchards

Community orchards may also be supported.

Community orchards can provide:

• Fruit trees for community use
• Educational opportunities
• Biodiversity benefits
• Community gathering spaces
• Food-growing awareness
• Long-term environmental value

Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstock may be supported where suitable, especially in schools, nurseries or similar settings.

Urban Greening and Biodiversity

Urban greening projects help increase planting in built-up or developed areas.

These projects can improve local quality of life by creating greener, cooler and more attractive spaces.

Urban planting can also support:

• Biodiversity
• Air quality
• Climate resilience
• Community wellbeing
• Wildlife habitats
• Visual improvement of public spaces
• Environmental education

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local authorities
• Charities
• Non-governmental organisations
• Community groups
• Education institutions
• Individual landowners

Projects must be not for profit and must demonstrate clear community benefit.

Site and Access Requirements

Projects must take place in locations that are publicly accessible, publicly visible or used by the community.

Suitable locations may include:

• Public parks
• School grounds
• Community gardens
• Village greens
• Shared community land
• Public-facing outdoor spaces
• Educational sites
• Community-managed spaces

Applicants should clearly explain how local people will benefit from the planting.

Governance and Accountability Requirements

Applicants must meet basic governance and accountability requirements.

These include:

• Public liability insurance for planting
• Written permission for the planting site
• A non-personal bank account for grant payments
• Clear responsibility for delivery and aftercare
• Appropriate project planning and management

These requirements help ensure that projects are properly managed and delivered safely.

Tree Species and Planting Requirements

The fund supports appropriate tree planting that is suitable for the site and long-term climate resilience.

The fund may support non-native tree varieties where appropriate to the setting.

However, trees should be:

• UK grown
• Suitable for the local environment
• Selected with climate change adaptation in mind
• Chosen for resilience and long-term survival
• Appropriate to the project location and purpose

Applicants should avoid unsuitable or poorly justified planting choices.

Container and Raised Bed Planting

Tree planting in containers or raised beds may be considered in limited circumstances.

Applicants must clearly justify why container or raised bed planting is needed.

They must also provide a strong irrigation and aftercare plan.

The fund generally prefers planting directly in the ground because it usually offers better long-term survival and environmental benefit.

What the Fund Does Not Support

The fund does not generally support:

• Container-grown stock except in limited circumstances
• Imported stock unless unavoidable
• Single-species planting without clear justification
• Invasive species
• Fast-growing species such as laurel
• Leyland cypress
• Cherry laurel
• Non-native conifers except in specific urban or environmental contexts

Applicants should select species carefully and explain why they are appropriate for the site.

Why This Fund Matters

Tree planting provides important environmental, social and climate benefits.

Trees can improve air quality, provide shade, support wildlife, reduce flood risk, store carbon and improve local wellbeing.

Community tree planting also creates opportunities for local people to participate in environmental action.

The SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund helps communities create greener, healthier and more resilient places across central and southern Scotland.

How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should prepare a clear project proposal that explains the planting plan, community benefit, site suitability and aftercare arrangements.

Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that the project is not for profit and located in central or southern Scotland.

The project should provide clear community benefit through a publicly accessible, publicly visible or community-used space.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Planting Site

Applicants should identify a planting location such as a park, school, community space or public green area.

The site should be appropriate for the selected trees and should have long-term community value.

Step 3: Obtain Written Permission

Applicants must secure written permission for the planting site.

This is required before planting can take place.

Step 4: Select Appropriate Trees

Applicants should choose tree species that are suitable for the site, climate and community purpose.

Trees should be UK grown and selected with climate adaptation and resilience in mind.

Step 5: Prepare an Aftercare Plan

A strong application should explain how trees will be cared for after planting.

The aftercare plan should cover:

• Watering
• Protection from damage
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Replacement of failed trees where possible
• Monitoring survival
• Long-term care arrangements

Step 6: Demonstrate Community Benefit

Applicants should clearly explain who will benefit from the project.

Benefits may include improved green space, biodiversity, shade, education, community engagement or climate resilience.

Step 7: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Applicants should request between £2,500 and £10,000.

The budget should clearly explain project costs, including trees, planting materials, protection, preparation, aftercare and related delivery costs.

Step 8: Confirm Governance Requirements

Applicants should ensure they have:

• Public liability insurance
• A non-personal bank account
• Written site permission
• Clear delivery arrangements
• Capacity to manage the project responsibly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Applying for a project with no clear community benefit
• Choosing a site that is not accessible, visible or community-used
• Failing to obtain written site permission
• Not having public liability insurance
• Using a personal bank account for grant payments
• Proposing unsuitable tree species
• Relying on imported stock without justification
• Proposing single-species planting without explanation
• Ignoring irrigation and aftercare needs
• Choosing container planting without strong justification
• Including invasive or unsuitable fast-growing species
• Failing to explain long-term maintenance responsibilities

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong application should:

• Clearly explain the community benefit
• Choose an appropriate and accessible planting site
• Use suitable UK-grown trees
• Include a strong aftercare plan
• Demonstrate climate resilience and biodiversity value
• Show community involvement where possible
• Provide written site permission
• Include public liability insurance
• Use a non-personal bank account
• Present a realistic and justified budget
• Avoid unsuitable or poorly justified species choices

FAQ

1. What is the SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund?

The SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund supports not-for-profit tree planting projects that create environmental and community benefits in central and southern Scotland.

2. How much funding is available?

Grants ranging from £2,500 to £10,000 are available per application.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include local authorities, charities, NGOs, community groups, education institutions and individual landowners.

4. What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports community tree planting, hedgerow planting, community orchards, urban greening, biodiversity enhancement and planting in parks, schools and community spaces.

5. What site requirements apply?

Projects should improve publicly accessible, publicly visible or community-used spaces.

6. Are fruit trees eligible?

Yes. Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstock may be supported where suitable, such as in schools or nurseries.

7. What types of planting are not supported?

The fund does not support unsuitable container-grown stock, imported stock unless unavoidable, unjustified single-species planting, invasive species, laurel, Leyland cypress, cherry laurel or non-native conifers except in specific urban or environmental contexts.

Conclusion

The SP Energy Networks Community Tree Planting Fund provides grants of £2,500 to £10,000 for tree planting projects that improve community spaces and deliver environmental benefits in central and southern Scotland.

The fund supports community tree planting, hedgerows, orchards, urban greening and biodiversity projects in parks, schools and publicly accessible spaces.

Eligible applicants should submit clear proposals that demonstrate community benefit, appropriate species selection, written site permission, strong aftercare planning and responsible project management.

For more information, visit The Tree Council.