Rushcliffe's MP Ruth Edwards is encouraging community groups across the constituency to apply for a share of a £10 million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects.
The Forestry Commission has opened the second round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund for community and volunteer groups, town councils and individuals to apply for a share of funding to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects.
Launched last May, the project aims to support the planting of more than 130,000 trees across England’s towns and cities. The aim is to have every new street lined with trees.
This second round follows the success of round one, which saw thirteen large scale projects from local authorities and large organisations awarded grants to plant more than 50,000 trees in urban areas. Successful applicants of round two will not start planting trees until the next planting season (winter 2020/21).
The scheme is being administered by the Forestry Commission, with applications for single planting projects of between 150 and 5,000 small trees invited. Applications that contain 500 or more trees are especially encouraged. Grants will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.
The scheme will support projects which can provide the greatest environmental and social benefits. Earlier this month, the Government pledged £640million for a ‘Nature for Climate’ programme which will help deliver increased tree planting across the UK by 30,000 hectares per year by 2025, alongside peatland restoration and nature recovery.
Details of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund and details of how to apply can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/urban-tree-challenge-fund
Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards said:
“Rushcliffe Borough Council already has a great tree planting scheme which is seeing massive numbers of trees planted every year.
"This scheme will allow us to take things even further and to hugely boost our new tree planting. I would encourage all local groups and individuals to get involved.
“I stood on a manifesto which committed to huge increases in tree planting. I am delighted to see the first part of that being delivered. I look forward to supporting community groups to apply and to plant their trees in the months ahead.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson said:
“We’re delighted our Member of Parliament is highlighting a great environmental initiative to make our communities even greener.
“It ties in perfectly with our strategy to provide further sustainable environments across the Borough that last year saw a remarkable 5,000 trees distributed to residents and Parish Councils.
“Any project that can increase the number of trees in the Borough as our communities grow and improves the quality of life for current and future residents is warmly welcomed."