Tree planting grant schemes are open for business across the East Riding

Landowners and local organisations in parts of the East Riding are being invited to take advantage of a series of tree planting grant schemes. 

Over £77,750 of funding is currently available for new tree, woodland and hedgerow planting projects in areas close to windfarm developments across the East Riding. 

During 2017-2018, these grant programmes have seen over 50,000 trees and shrubs planted, providing a massive boost for wildlife and enhancing local landscapes.

Grant programmes currently available are:

Tedder Hill Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund, near Roos

Spaldington Airfield Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund

Goole Fields Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund

Goole Fields II Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund

Withernwick Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund

Sixpenny Wood Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund, near Laxton

Sancton Hill Wind Farm Tree Planting Fund.

Project proposals need to be within an approximate radius of 5km from of any of the windfarm developments. 

The grant funds have been made available to East Riding of Yorkshire Council through a series of planning agreements when permission was granted for the windfarm developments. 

The grant programmes are administered by HEYwoods - East Yorkshire’s community forest initiative.

Applications for grants are invited for projects including:

native tree planting

native woodland creation

native hedgerow establishment. 

The grants are aimed towards areas of land including farmland, parks, open spaces etc... but cannot provide support for work in domestic gardens.

Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for strategic asset management, housing and environment at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “These grant programmes offer a unique opportunity for individuals, landowners and local groups from around the East Riding to secure funding for new tree, woodland and hedgerow planting work. 

“With the new Northern Forest Project on its way to the East Riding in the near future, there hasn’t been a better time for people to take advantage of the funding opportunities available and improve our local environment.”

The application process for grant support is now open and the deadline for submitting grant proposals is 31 July 2018. 

Further information regarding the grant application process and additional guidance concerning the types of projects that could receive support is available can be found at www.heywoods.org.uk or by emailing nature.conservation@eastriding.gov.uk