The Forestry Commission has launched a new TPCG (Tree Production Capital Grant) scheme, aimed at supporting any public, private or third sector organisation in increasing the quantity, quality, diversity and biosecurity of tree, seed and sapling supply.
The scheme is open to seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes, and to new entrants looking to diversify into the sector.
Funding for farmers and growers
The TPCG will provide funding for existing farmers and growers, but also for new entrants looking to diversify, to establish tree planting projects across the UK, with up to £8.8 million available in funding.
Successful tree production projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs. The government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund will also provide money for the TPCG.
Funding will be split into two streams separating projects valued between £20,000 and £100,000 (Stream A), and those valued at greater than £100,000 (Stream B).
30 June deadline
The application window closes on Thursday 30 June 2022 at 11:55pm.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The Forestry Commission reserves the right to change the deadline for applications or make changes to the invitation to apply and the application process at short notice.
Read more information on the TPCG and how to apply.
If you have any queries, please email [email protected].
The right tree in the right place
The TPCG builds on one of the NFU Tree Strategy’s key policy asks for government to provide support for new plantings and encourage British sourced and grown saplings.
The strategy also calls for the government to:
- Consider factors such as the tree species, appropriate sourcing to match the location and the long-term objectives – 'the right tree in the right place'.
- To incentivise bringing existing woodlands back into management. This should be a priority over new plantings.
- Ensure that land managers who decide to plant trees must have made that decision voluntarily.
- Address key existing policy barriers – crucially the existing tenancy clauses which prevent 30% of our agricultural land from engaging in tree planting.
- Reconsider the permanency element of planting trees which is currently a barrier. Where tree planting is permanent land use change, the government must ensure that incentives compensate for the permanent loss in capital value of the land.
- Increased recognition and incentives for trees outside of woodlands. These contribute enormously to our natural environment and landscape features. They act as important carbon sinks.
- Consider a separate ELM (Environmental Land Management) scheme offer for commercial forestry and large woodlands, recognising the complexity of forestry delivery.
