**** Applications for our 2024 Challenge Urban Forestry Challenge Fund closed on 15th November 2024****

Organisations, community groups and schools can now apply for up to £100,000 to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.

Applications for the new Urban Forestry Challenge Fund are officially open and you have until 15 November to get your proposals in.

Trees play a crucial role in boosting nature, reducing flooding, cutting pollution, and improving mental well-being. Yet, many towns and cities in Scotland are still lacking in green space, even though over 80% of us live in urban areas.

The Urban Forestry Programme is a 10-year, multi-million pound initiative designed to tackle this urgent issue. Funded projects will enhance biodiversity, promote education, foster community involvement and create green jobs.

We aim to support urban projects aligned with the 3:30:300 rule, which ensures:

• Everyone can see three trees from their home
• Every neighbourhood has a 30% tree canopy cover
• Quality green space is available within 300 metres

To make a real impact, we’ll prioritise applications from areas with the fewest trees, using the Tree Equity tool developed by American Forests.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we officially open applications for new projects. We’re particularly eager to see proposals that focus on areas most in need of well-maintained trees and woodlands. We urge all eligible groups to apply. Big things come from small beginnings and we’re looking for projects of all shapes and sizes. After all, mighty oaks grow from little acorns!”

Shireen Chambers, our CEO

Growing Scotland’s green spaces together

The Urban Forestry Programme is supported by bp, as part of its planned Scottish offshore windfarm project, Morven. As the Programme’s founding partner, bp has committed up to £10 million as part of its ScotWind bid.

Shireen added: “We’re thrilled to partner with bp on this journey. They’ve been supporting woodland regeneration in Scotland for more than 20 years and are committed to making a positive impact to restore and enhance biodiversity where people live and work.

Tom Hudson, bp’s project director, offshore wind, said: “Over the next decade, Future Woodlands Scotland and bp will collaborate to include more trees in Scotland’s cities, towns and urban areas. We are delighted to support the charity creating leafier neighbourhoods, including trees in parks, streets, amenity areas and along canals and rivers.”

Funding levels

We offer two levels of funding:

• Projects from £2,000 up to £20,000.
• Projects over £20,000 and up to £100,000.

Ready to get started?

You can find out more and apply on our dedicated Urban Forestry page. If you have any questions, get in touch.