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Trees for Climate

The Trees for Climate programme

Trees for Climate represents one of the most significant joint programmes of delivery across the Community Forest network since the first Forests were launched three decades ago.

The Trees for Climate programme, which is funded through the government’s multi-million-pound Nature for Climate Fund, has been led by The Mersey Forest team since it launched in 2020, with Cheshire West and Chester Council is the accountable body for the programme, supporting the 15 Community Forests, who are delivering the programme nationwide.

Since the programme’s inception in 2020, woodland creation has increased 100% year on year and our network proudly delivered the largest share of all tree planting funded by the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund during the 2023/24 season.  

Our work complements other nationally funded schemes, and is able to reach those smaller and harder to deliver opportunities that have the biggest impacts for both people and planet

Through the planting of millions of trees, Trees for Climate is delivering on action to reduce the impacts of climate change, capture carbon and protect communities from flooding. What’s more, the Community Forest approach has the power to connect more people and nature, bringing about much wider social, economic, and environmental transformation

Engagement, Health, and Wellbeing  

Our work engages tens of thousands of people in tree planting, connecting more people with nature and providing a wealth of health and wellbeing impacts. Many of our projects take place in the most deprived areas of the country, meaning we can benefit those that need it most 

Enhancing Wildlife 

All our new woodland sites are designed to contribute to local ecological frameworks. We’ve already provided thousands of additional hectares of usable space for woodland species, greatly enhancing biodiversity. 

Public Access and Value 

Most new woodlands planted by us have either full or partial public access and once established, these woodlands could welcome millions of annual visitors. 

 

Education, employment, and skills 

Our work creates and supports a range of green jobs, including those employed in the wider tree supply chain. We work with partners to support training and employment in green skills, as well as with schools and education providers, helping to inspire the next generation. 

Support for landowners 

We offer one of the most competitive grant schemes for tree planting through our Trees for Climate programme. With years of experience and locally based support we can help you plan, fund and deliver woodland creation projects of all sizes that will bring real value to your land.

  • Grants that cover up to 100% of tree planting costs and associated infrastructure such as fencing and gates 
  • Up to 15 years of maintenance payments 
  • Support projects from 0.1 hectares upwards 
  • Flexible grant that can support a range of planting including, low density, hedgerows, orchards and woodland pasture.

To find out more complete get in touch

5

million

Since 2020 the Trees for Climate programme has planted over 5 million trees across England

4,074

hectares

of woodland established

47,000

people

Over 47,000 people engaged in tree planting

35%

of all new government-funded trees

planted in England since 2020 was through the Trees for Climate programme