Deadline: 31-May-23
The Forestry Commission is pleased to launch the Tree Production Capital Grant to increase the domestic production of tree seed and saplings, via investments in facilities and equipment in United Kingdom.
The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) provides funding to help tree nurseries and seed suppliers invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. This will help improve not only the quantity but also the quality, diversity, and biosecurity of supply.
Aim
- The government aims to at least treble tree planting rates in England by 2025, and has set legally binding targets to increase tree and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area by 2050. Meeting these planting targets domestically will require a corresponding increase in UK production of tree planting material. The TPCG is looking to support projects with outputs that will better equip nurseries to supply the trees required for new woodlands and urban planting projects. The grant forms part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund.
Funding Information
- Up to £5.1 million of funding is available through the Tree Production Capital Grant, subject to sufficient high-quality bids being received.
- The TPCG will provide 50% funding for projects up to a maximum grant value of £175,000.
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Example projects suitable for funding could include:
- investments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines.
- improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems.
- biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment.
- Projects may span up to two financial years, completing no later than March 2025.
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Funding will be split into two streams:
- Funding Stream A:
- Project Value: £10,000 to £100,000.
- Funding Available (50%): £5,000 to £50,000.
- Funding Stream B:
- Project Value: >£100,000.
- Funding Available (50%): >£50,000 to £175,000.
Eligible Cost
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Eligible costs that may be claimed for include:
- costs of equipment and machinery purchased.
- delivery and shipping costs of items purchased.
- personnel costs related to the construction or implementation of the items purchased at the applicant’s site of operation.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for funding, applicants must be UK-based and will need to demonstrate how the grant will be used to increase English tree seed or sapling supply.
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The following groups are identified as likely potential applications to the TPCG:
- private sector nurseries and seed suppliers.
- public sector organisations such as Local Authorities.
- new entrants to forestry from adjacent horticultural/agricultural sectors.
- environmental NGOs.
- community tree nurseries.
- Forestry England and Forest Research are not eligible for funding under the TPCG.
For more information, visit Forestry Commission.