Community Tree Scheme

What is the Community Tree Scheme?

The Community Tree Scheme is designed to enable Lanarkshire community groups to take practical climate action by providing support to plan, carry out and maintain successful tree planting projects.

The scheme aims to guide groups at every stage of their project, from identifying suitable planting sites, obtaining permission from landowners and engaging their communities through to planting suitable trees, maintaining sites and accessing ongoing training, funding and support.

Read the Guidance Notes

Access the Community Tree Scheme Application Form

What could a project look like?

There are lots of different types of tree planting projects – from planting commemorative trees to establishing a new area of woodland, enhancing existing woodlands to connecting sites up to create corridors for wildlife.

Each area of Lanarkshire is different which is why our Development Officer will work with you to explore what type of project would work best in your community.

What have other projects delivered?

Looking to connect areas of nature in your community?

A nature network connects nature-rich areas through creating habitat corridors. One of the key reasons for biodiversity loss is change in land use which creates fragmented habitats. Nature networks help to support biodiversity by connecting up areas such as woodlands, parks, hedgerows, rivers etc. providing safe spaces for nature to thrive.

Keen to provide food for your community?

Perhaps a mini orchard would suit your community – an orchard can be as little as 5 trees and, once established, can provide the community with annual fresh, local fruit.

Viewpark Conservation Group established a food forest on their estate. A food forest allows the production of food, medicine and materials. Food forests benefit local biodiversity and have wider benefits of improving people’s wellbeing, skills and confidence.

Only have a small space available for planting?

Wee Forests are tennis court-sized, densely planted and fast-growing woodlands, planted with native trees. These forests are planted using the Miyawaki Method – all forest layers are densely planted at the same time which accelerates growth.

Why is tree planting important?

Tree planting helps tackle climate change, restore nature and improve our health and wellbeing. Tree planting also has several benefits for communities by bringing people together to take climate action and create greener, fairer neighbourhoods.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They also help communities adapt to climate change and increase climate resilience by reducing flood risk, providing shade during heatwaves and stabilising soil. Planting native trees boost biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife and connecting green spaces, and contributes to the Clyde Climate Forest initiative.

What is the Clyde Climate Forest?

The Clyde Climate Forest is a large-scale initiative which aims to plant 18 million trees across the Glasgow City region. The project spans from Greenock to Lanark, covering areas of both North and South Lanarkshire. The initiative focuses on increasing tree canopy cover, connecting 200 fragmented woodland habitats and planting new woodlands to store up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 by 2045.

Who is the scheme open to?

The scheme is open to all community groups based in - and working in - Lanarkshire.  

Applications are encouraged from Lanarkshire groups who would like to learn how to plan and deliver new tree planting projects in their community or who would like support to connect existing areas of woodland in their local area where possible.  

Community groups working in and around the following locations will initially be prioritised for support through the scheme:

North Lanarkshire:

Airdrie
Carfin
Coatbridge

South Lanarkshire:

Carluke
East Kilbride
Larkhall

What support is available?

Our Development Officer will chat with you about your tree planting project idea and work with you to identify appropriate steps to successfully plan and deliver the project.

Successful applicants to the scheme will be supported to: 

identify suitable tree planting sites 
liaise with landowners to get permission to plant 
understand the most appropriate tree species for your project 
source trees, planting materials and equipment  
engage volunteers or connect with other local groups 
access resources, training and guidance to help increase tree planting success rates 
organise tree planting days and ‘Communi-tree’ events (see here for an example) 
develop skills to sustainably manage sites long-term 
explore further funding opportunities to sustain the project

How to apply?

Complete the online application form and our Development Officer - Greenspaces will be in touch to discuss your project idea. If you require a Word version of the application form, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When to apply?

Applications to the scheme are now open and will be reviewed monthly until 20 October 2026 when the scheme will close.

Is there funding available?

There is a small amount of funding available that can be used to cover essential materials, volunteer costs and events associated with project activities – this will be discussed and an amount agreed in your initial meeting.  

You cannot include for costs already incurred and items or equipment of a personal nature. The project must be completed by 31 March 2027. We may ask for evidence of what you have spent the money on so please retain receipts and records of expenditure. 

Please consider the climate when choosing materials or purchases and buy local wherever possible. For example, use of reusable products or those made with reclaimed or recycled materials, peat-free compost and plants, plant-based food, active or low-carbon travel.

Questions?

Email the Hub on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. including the subject “Community Tree Scheme” and we will be more than happy to help!

Ready to apply?

To apply, read the guidance notes and complete and submit the online application form, ensuring to upload a copy of your group/organisation’s constitution and a copy of your group/organisation’s bank statement, dated within the last 3 months. If you would like a copy of the application as a Word document, please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Access the Community Tree Scheme Application Form HERE

Download the Guidance Notes HERE

Accessibility

If you need assistance with accessing the Application Form or have any queries regarding accessibility, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will do our best to help.