• £2.8 million available for domestic trees and seeds production as government funding schemes re-open
• Grants will increase quantity, quality, diversity and biosecurity of England’s trees and seeds supply – crucial for creating resilient woodlands.

Professional foresters, landowners, nurseries and seed suppliers are being encouraged to come forward for the latest round of Seed Sourcing Grant and Tree Production Capital Grants, which have opened yesterday (Tuesday 5 December).

The Tree Production Capital Grant supports efforts to build nursery capacity and grow trees and seeds supply chains for the long-term. Funding will increase domestic production of trees and seeds, supporting investments in expansion, automation and mechanisation of facilities and equipment. It has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance tree production methods in England. 

The Seed Sourcing Grant helps boost domestic tree seed production and support green jobs, helping meet the increased demand for trees and achieve our ambitious tree planting targets. Due to shortages of seed globally, it is vital that we improve not only the quantity but also the quality, diversity, and biosecurity of our seed supply.

Eligible activities for the Seed Sourcing Grant include:

• Management of existing Seed Stands, to ensure they are productive for seed collectors
• Desk studies and field studies to identify and bring additional Seed Stands onto the National Register of Basic Material 
• Planning and planting of new Seed Stands
• Planning and planting of new Seed Orchards 

Examples of eligible projects for the Tree Production Capital Grant may include:

• Intelligent transplanting systems;
• Polytunnel infrastructure and equipment;
• Seed processing and storage equipment;
• Biosecurity investments such as water treatment and refrigeration equipment.   

Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said:

“These important grants have played a valuable role in helping boost domestic trees and seed production and develop employment opportunities in the sector.

“I encourage all eligible applicants to come forward so we can continue to build capacity in the sector, to support increased tree cover and make our treescapes more resilient.”

AJ Paul, Director, Cutlers Wood Ltd, said:

“Like many other agricultural businesses, we were looking to diversify. However, the capital outlay required to reach a commercial scale of tree production would not have been possible without the support of the Tree Production Capital Grant.

“The initial funding will help the nursery reach a positive cashflow earlier and so allow further investment to improve quality and quantity of production”.

AJ, Director of Cutlers Wood Ltd in Ipswich, applied for Tree Production Capital Funding in 2022. Over the last year, with support from the grant, the nursery purchased several pieces of equipment to increase productivity significantly whilst also improving the quality of the trees grown and ultimately their success rate.

Clive Ellis, Land Manager, Oxley Wood, said:

“I’d already been thinking about how important lime was in terms of a national resource. When the Seed Sourcing Grant funding became available, I decided to apply to help bring more British home-grown seed to the market, as well as improve the ecological vision of Oxley Wood.

“I encourage all eligible applicants to come forward so we can continue to build capacity in the sector, to support increased tree cover and make our treescapes more resilient.”

Clive, a woodland manager working with ancient woodlands across Essex and Suffolk, successfully applied for the Seed Sourcing Grant in 2022 and secured funding to help improve lime-dense woodland in Oxley Wood, Essex.

The third round of the Tree Production Capital Grant is now open until 30 January 2024 and will provide up to £2.5 million of funding during 2024/25, subject to successful bids.

The Seed Sourcing Grant aims to attract a broad range of applicants, including both organisations already involved in these activities and those who have not previously considered seed production. The grant is now open until 13 February 2024. and will provide up to £260,000 of funding during 2024/25, subject to successful bids.

For more information and to apply for the Tree Production Capital and Seed Sourcing Grants, go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-production-capital-grant or https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seed-sourcing-grant

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