New funding is available for tree planting scheme across Chichester District – find out if you are eligible for a grant
Chichester District Council has launched a new grant scheme to help people plant trees and hedgerows in priority areas acrossthedistrictwiththeaimof improvingconnectivitybetween woodland habitats.
Through this new targeted tree scheme, landowners can access funding to help plant trees, hedgerows, small-wooded areas (copses) and orchards in specific areas of the district where tree-planting could help increase links between habitats andhelpourenvironmentadapt to the changing climate.
People can find out more informationabouttheschemeand check whether they are eligible for a grant at: www.chichester. gov.uk/treescheme
The new initiative is delivered through the council’s ‘Tree Chichester District’ scheme, which has seen nearly 25,000 trees planted across the district through 175 individual projects since its launch in 2021.
The scheme is funded by the government’ssharedoutcomes Fundandispartofthetreesoutside Woodland programme, which seeks to test new ways to boost tree numbers and tree healthoutsideofwoodlandareas across the country.
“We’re very lucky to be blessed with a large amount of woodland in our district, however quite a big proportion of this is currently fragmented,” explained councillor Jonathan Brown, deputy leader and cabinet member for environmental strategy at Chichester District Council. “Our new targeted scheme seeks to better connect ourwoodlandareasthroughthe plantingofnewtreesandhedgerows that will allow different species to move and migrate for food and to breed.
“As part of the scheme, we have created an interactive map which outlines the areas of the district that have been marked as ‘priority areas’ – these are spaces within which we have identified that new trees and hedgerows will make a real difference in terms of connecting woodland habitats, providing wildlife corridors for a number of different species.
“The map is a quick and easy way for people to check whether their land falls within one of these priority areas and, if so, we’d encourage them to apply for a grant by emailing our Tree Project Officer at: treescheme@ chichester.gov.uk. Our officer will then be able to discuss ideas and options, and offer advice on tree planting and protection.
“If you are not eligible for this particular scheme but are still interested in progressing a tree planting project – whether it’s a community initiative or on private land – there are other schemes and funding sources that you may be able to access. Please contact our team for advice by emailing treescheme@ chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521161.
"Since launching the Tree Chichester District scheme in January 2021, we have allocated free and subsidised trees to residents, community groups, schools, parish councils, charities, businesses, landowners, and tenant farmers. We’ve also awarded grant funding to support the development of seven community orchards in Selsey, Chichester, Fishbourne and Goodwood; deliver two community tree nurseries in West Wittering and Selsey; and plant five new mini urban forests in Hambrook, East Broyle, Summersdale, East Beach Walk and Midhurst.”