Funding is available for planting trees in urban areas, helping to support people’s health and wellbeing, as well as wider environmental benefits.

The Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF) was first developed in response to the Government’s commitment to provide millions of pounds for planting trees in and around England’s towns and cities.

Urban trees are said to offer a range of benefits, including temperature moderation, flood risk mitigation, and improved wellbeing – particularly when in close proximity to large populations. The UTCF will contribute to delivering these benefits through the targeted planting thousands of trees in urban and peri-urban areas.

The UTCF supports planting of large ‘standard’ trees and street trees – making an immediate impact to communities and ensuring other organisations that provide planting for smaller trees can continue to do so.

Round 5 of the Fund aims to level-up access to nature across the country, planting trees in socially deprived urban areas with low canopy cover, in proximity to healthcare and educational facilities.

The Fund will now provide 80% funding of standard costs for planting large trees and their establishment costs for three years following planting, compared with funding 50% of standard costs in previous rounds. There is a minimum application value of £10,000.

Applications are accepted from community and volunteer groups, town councils and individuals wishing to plant trees in urban areas of England. Applicants must have full management control over the land or signed consent from those with such control.

Round 5 is open for applications. Those wishing to plant trees in 2023/24 must submit their applications by 30 June 2023 (23:59 BST).

How To Apply

The Urban Tree Challenge Fund Round 5 is open for applications. Those wishing to plant trees in 2023/24 must submit their applications by 30 June 2023 (23:59 BST).

For more information, visit the UK Government website.