A new grant scheme aimed at supporting local communities to plant and care for trees in Dorset is now open for applications.

Funded by Dorset Council and managed by the Dorset National Landscape team, the Dorset Community Tree Fund is open to community organisations in the Dorset Council area. 

This includes parish and town councils, as well as schools and other established community groups interested in planting and caring for trees in their area.

Trees help to play a crucial role in the natural world, from providing habitats for wildlife, to tackling climate change. 

However, planting the wrong tree in the wrong place can have a negative impact on local wildlife, communities, and the landscape.

Therefore, the Dorset Community Tree Fund is going beyond just providing grants, but is also offering support for the planning and design phases of projects.

This extra support will help make sure trees and hedges planted by communities have a positive impact on the county's natural environment for years to come.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “I’m thrilled that Dorset’s communities can now benefit from this support to plant trees and create woodlands in their local areas. 

“We know that trees are important for so many different reasons. And projects like this are one way we’re supporting local efforts to restore nature and tackle climate change.

“As a council we are committed to protecting our natural environment, and through this new fund, we can help make sure our county’s trees, new and old, are managed for wildlife, climate, and people.”

Community tree planting projects of all shapes and sizes are welcome.  To be eligible, projects must meet the following criteria:

  • be within the Dorset Council area
  • have some public access
  • have necessary permissions in place (from landowner, statutory bodies etc)
  • have the support of the community and parish or town council.

Applications will remain open with a rolling window until all the funds are allocated which is expected to be by March 2025.

There is maximum amount for a grant but any application above £1000 will be expected to show an exceptional impact and value for money. 

Applicants must also show at least 25% ‘match funding’ from other sources: this does not have to be cash and can include volunteer time and donations in kind.

For more information about the Dorset Community Tree Fund and details on how to apply, visit https://dorset-nl.org.uk/resource/dorset-community-tree-fund/