Funding for forestry: Whether you need help with management plans or to promote biodiversity, check what grants are available

摘要

Trees benefit everyone. They provide timber, shelter and shade, mark boundaries, reduce glare and noise, clean the air, lower temperatures and disguise eyesores. They provide jobs, habitats-for wildlife and are often at the centre of recreation and tourism. Their variety is enormous. They are constantly changing with the seasons and they are beautiful. We should plant more. Advice on planting trees is freely available from many sources - and funding could be too. There are government forestry and agricultural grants - the Forestry Commission and DEFRA being the main providers - but there is also a wealth of other schemes, initiatives, trusts, charities and sponsorship deals to help. Some may be local and some may not even mention trees, but the aimsof many such grants can often be furthered by planting. Two general rules apply: don't start work until given approval and double-funding may not be available. You would also be wise to ensure you have all the facts and understand the criteria before applying.