Ayrshire Tree Planting Grant Scheme

Details

This grant from the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership funds the planting of individual or small groups of trees on land in South and East Ayrshire. This will add landscape and biodiversity value to the South of Scotland countryside, for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife. It is aimed at small tree and woodland planting projects which fall below the size eligible for the Forestry Grant Scheme.

Funding is available for projects within the Biosphere, to individuals and organisations to plant trees on less than 0.25 hectares (0.6 acres). Examples of tree planting schemes include:

• small copses
• field boundary trees
• tree lines
• parkland trees
• orchards

They encourage projects designed to be complementary to other natural heritage projects that may have conservation or amenity aims.

Funding can cover:

• Purchase of plants
• Tree shelters
• Stakes and ties
• Protective fencing materials
• Labour costs (for community groups only) including contract labour or applicants own labour
• Site preparation (for community groups only)
• Professional fees (no more than 10% of total cost)

This project is funded by South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Forestry, the Woodland Trust and Land Energy and is administered by the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership.

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Geographical areas funded: East Ayrshire South Ayrshire

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Capital

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Who can apply

Landowners, farmers and individuals: A grant of up to 100% of material costs (i.e. trees, shelters, guards, stakes, fencing, mulch mats, etc.).

Not-for-profit making organisations such as schools and community groups: A grant of up to 100% of materials costs, labour and site preparation.

When to apply

Now open. Applications for planting this season (2026/27) will be accepted until mid-February 2027.

Applications may still be submitted after this date, but planting may be postponed until next season.

Next deadline: 15 Feb 2027

How to apply

Before submitting your application, you should:

• Obtain the landowner’s consent if you do not own the land that you wish to plant.
• Check for presence of services such as gas lines, water pipes or electricity and telephone cables (tree planting should not be located within 10m of a powerline).
• Obtain the approval of your local council if planting is proposed within 5 meters of the edge of a public road or highway or might impair road safety.
• Check for any existing planning restrictions or site designations such as those relating to archaeology or deep peat.

Please ensure you have read the Grant Information Sheet as well as the Tree Planting Guide. GSA Biosphere staff are happy to provide guidance and assist with planting design and species choice, and a site visit may be arranged on request.

Download and fill in the Application Form.

Please send your completed application form to [email protected].

Contact information

Exclusions

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Activites funded: Environment Climate action

Beneficiaries funded: General public Rural communities Local communities

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Last reviewed 3 days ago