Small thickets and hedges are a common feature in the Borders, providing habitat for wildlife, shelter for livestock, and beautiful colour for most of the year. However, old age and diseases such as Chalara ash dieback are predicted to have a dramatic effect in the near future.
The new funding is designed to increase the resilience of local woodscapes, and support small scall tree planting in the area.
The Borders Tree Planting Grant is a first in Scotland and has been designed to cover small schemes such as hedgerows, parkland as well as trees planted in areas such as school grounds.
Grant details
Funding of up to £1,000 is available to any organisation or individual for a planting scheme of less than 0.25 hectares which is designed to enhance the landscape and biodiversity of the Borders and make a contribution to improved public amenity.
The grant is part funded by Forestry Commission Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and Fallago Environment Fund and is administered by Tweed Forum and Borders Forest Trust.
Find out more
More information about the Borders Tree Planting Grant including guidance and an application form is available from the Borders Forest Trust (link)
The Woodland Trust Scotland can also offer free advice on larger planting projects, which may be eligible for other forms of support such as MOREWoods or through the Scottish Rural Development Programme.And schools and community groups can apply for free packs of native trees. Find out how to get started.
