Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas
Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
Article Source: Future Woodlands Scotland
Last Updated: 2 October 2024 9:58
The charity, which is dedicated to creating and conserving woodlands across Scotland, has secured up to £10m from the integrated energy company to deliver the Urban Forestry Programme, which opens for applications today.
Community groups, local authorities, NGOs, charities and schools are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £100,000 for projects, which aim to deliver more trees and green spaces in urban neighbourhoods and, in turn, are expected to support biodiversity, education, community involvement and job creation.
With Scotland’s urban tree cover (under 16%) much lower than the EU average of 30.2%, increasing the number of trees in its cities and towns helps support the journey to net zero and deliver a wide range of socio-economic benefits.
The programme’s ambition is to support urban projects that contribute to the 3:30:300 rule whereby everyone should see three trees from their home, every neighbourhood has a 30% tree canopy and quality green space within 300 metres.
Applications from areas which have the fewest trees will be prioritised. This will be measured by the Tree Equity tool, which was created to address imbalances in urban tree distribution by American Forests, a US non-profit organisation, and was brought to the UK by the Woodland Trust and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
Shireen Chambers, CEO of Future Woodlands Scotland said: “Trees are vital for boosting nature, combating flooding, providing shelter, reducing pollution and improving mental health. To ensure our towns and cities are healthy environments to live in, we need to plant and nurture more trees. Our goal is for everyone to benefit from trees, whether through learning about them, actively engaging in their care or simply spending time among them.
“We’re grateful to bp for helping us to realise this ambition through the Urban Forestry Programme. They have supported the regeneration of woodlands 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.
“Today marks a significant milestone for both FWS and bp as we open up applications for new projects. We’re particularly interested in proposals focused 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!”
FWS and bp share a vision for Scotland in which trees and native woodland are thriving for everyone.
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.”
bp’s contribution to the programme represents a significant part of its commitments to Scotland, which were made as part of the ScotWind bid for its Morven offshore wind project.
The Urban Forestry Programme has already funded two pilot projects: a fruit and nut tree planting project in Stirling, and a tree warden volunteer scheme in Glasgow.
The free fruit and nut tree project will see 200 apple, pear and walnut trees planted in Raploch and Bannockburn. Despite on-going regeneration to tackle social and environmental challenges in the region, tree planting has been overlooked. Local environmental organisation, Treelink Stirling, has received funding from the Urban Forestry Programme to plant productive trees in residents’ gardens which will not only increase the tree canopy cover but also yield healthy produce which can be enjoyed by the local community.
Thanks to funding from the Urban Forestry Programme, the Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) initiative, active across the Glasgow City Region, has employed a Community Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Laura Salvage has taken up the post and will roll out the Tree Council’s Tree Warden scheme in the Region, recruiting and training local Tree Warden volunteers to help care for more than 10,000 newly planted urban trees.
The Tree Wardens will support local communities in planting and maintaining trees. They will be able to follow their interests and that may include doing guided walks, managing local woodlands and encouraging others to participate in planting and caring for trees. This will help increase urban tree canopy cover in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.
In line with CCF’s vision to plant the right trees in the right places to help nature recover and thrive, to protect and mitigate against climate change, and to create an ecologically secure environment for future generations, the Tree Wardens will help protect the Clyde Climate Forest for future generations.
Chris Stark, Director of Clyde Climate Forest, said: “The Tree Warden scheme is crucial for ensuring our urban trees stay healthy and thrive, and receiving support from the Urban Forestry Programme is a fantastic boost. We’re excited about the positive changes this initiative will bring to Glasgow’s green spaces.”
Applications for the new Urban Forestry Programme grants are open until 15 November 2024. More information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, is available at www.futurewoodlands.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Fife Athlete Wins Silver at Virtus World Athletics Championships
Fife-based performance wear specialist, Keela, celebrates team member’s international success at the 11th Virtus World Athletics Championships in Brisbane, Australia.
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Eden Mill Unveils World Class Distillery and Visitor Centre in St Andrews
Eden Mill has cut the ribbon on its landmark new distillery and visitor centre on the banks of the Eden Estuary, just outside the historic Home of Golf.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links