Forestry Commission

Could Forestry Commission fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants
£5,000 – £250,000
Where they fund
England
Applications
Accepted
How to apply
Online form
Decisions
Rolling (no fixed deadline)

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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gov.uk

About Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission, a non-ministerial government department established in 1919, serves as England's principal public body for protecting, expanding, and sustainably managing woodlands. Its mission addresses historical deforestation while boosting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and delivering societal benefits such as recreation, education, and community wellbeing. Guided by values of sustainability, scientific excellence, community engagement, and long-term stewardship, the Commission blends regulatory oversight, research leadership, grant-making, and practical partnerships. Its funding character reflects a commitment to evidence-based, outcome-led grants that prioritise tree health, innovation, and public-forest connections.

What Forestry Commission funds

The Commission funds woodland creation, tree planting, habitat restoration, plant health, biosecurity, climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, public access, and educational outreach. It supports capital projects and project delivery costs, including innovation in tree production. All projects must be located in England, spanning urban, rural, and peri-urban areas. Priority is given to work that boosts tree health, supports climate resilience, and enhances biodiversity, alongside efforts that connect people with woodlands through recreation and education.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include registered charities, community groups, and local authorities. The funder prioritises work that benefits rural communities, youth, and disadvantaged populations. There are no income thresholds or geographic base restrictions, so organisations of any size can apply as long as the project is based in England. The Commission welcomes unsolicited applications from grassroots woodland groups and larger organisations alike.

What Forestry Commission doesn't fund

The Commission does not fund unrestricted core costs, emergency funding, or activities unrelated to woodlands and forestry. Grants are not available for general charitable expenditure outside the scope of woodland creation, management, or engagement.

How they like to fund

The Forestry Commission provides evidence-based, outcome-led grants focused on tree health, innovation, and fostering connections between people and forests. It funds capital projects and project delivery costs, and welcomes unsolicited applications. The funder's approach is collaborative, working in partnership with organisations to achieve long-term woodland benefits.

How much does Forestry Commission give?

£5,000 – £250,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Environment

How to apply to Forestry Commission

Forestry Commission takes applications via online form.

  • Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
  • Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

  1. 1
    Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
  2. 2
    See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
  3. 3
    Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Forestry Commission could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Forestry Commission provide?

Forestry Commission typically provides grants of £5,000 - £250,000.

Where does Forestry Commission fund charities?

Forestry Commission funds charities operating in England.

Does Forestry Commission accept unsolicited applications?

Forestry Commission accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Forestry Commission?

Forestry Commission takes applications via online form. Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could Forestry Commission be a fit?

Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.