Trees are important for many reasons – they support wildlife, slow water, capture and store carbon, filter and cool air, and contribute to our collective culture and memories, health and wellbeing.   The Dorset Community Tree Fund aims to support communities with their plans for planting and caring for trees locally so that they can help ensure that our trees – old and new – are managed to benefit wildlife, climate and communities.

• The fund is open to organisations in the Dorset Council area, especially parish and town councils, schools, and constituted community groups.
• It will remain open with a rolling application window until all funds are allocated.
• The fund can support up to 75% of project costs for charities and voluntary groups, up to 50% for other organisations.  (Match funding can include volunteer time and contributions in kind).

Eligible projects must:

• be on land in the Dorset Council area
• have some public access or engagement
• have the support of the community and the parish or town council where appropriate

We are particularly keen to support the planning & design phase of tree planting projects, prior to submission of an application for the planting itself.  If you’re ready to go straight for a planting grant we’ll need details including the location and a scale plan of the project, along with evidence of community support and landowner permissions.  We’d also like to see details of how you will procure, establish and maintain your trees: this doesn’t have to be complicated but should show that you have thought about issues such as sustainability and value for money in your plans.

Other eligible items and activities include:

• tools and equipment for planting and maintenance
• hedge projects: new planting, hedge-laying, gapping up or adding hedgerow trees
• setting up or extending a community orchard or tree nursery
• events or interpretation materials to engage communities.

You can find some useful information here:   Resources for community tree projects