North Dorset Amenity Tree Planting Grants

North Dorset District Council provides small grants for amenity tree planting projects which provide communities with an opportunity to improve amenity tree and wildlife value of the local landscape.

Applicants

Anyone can apply for a grant. The nature of your organisation will influence how much you receive. Voluntary organisations may receive up to 100% assistance whilst private individuals and businesses may receive up to 50% assistance. Grants are not normally offered in excess of £500 per scheme.

Applying for a grant

Please phone the Environment Team to make an appointment to discuss your proposal, and carry out a site visit, or complete and return an Amenity Tree Planting Grant Application (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window)

Eligibility

The purpose of the grant is to enhance the quality of North Dorset's natural landscapes and the environment. The following operations are considered to be beneficial and will be eligible for inclusion in the grant application:

Tree planting that contributes to the character of the landscape
New planting areas for amenity
Management of important or veteran trees i.e. remedial tree surgery
Habitat restoration

Offer of grant

Once the scheme has been agreed the district council will make an offer in writing, subject to conditions to control the work to the council's satisfaction. An offer will not be made unless all consents that may be necessary under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 with regard to protected trees have been obtained. If work is to be carried out on land that is not the applicants, then evidence of the necessary permission from the landowners will be required.

Payment of grant

Funds will be released once the works have been completed to the satisfaction of the council and upon the submission of receipted accounts, In certain circumstances the funds may be released in instalments as work progresses. Funds will be paid directly to the contractor who carried out the work.

General conditions of grant aid

Planting is to be carried out to the council satisfaction - guidance specific to the site will be given in the offer. Any trees that die in the first season will need to be replaced at the applicants cost. The council will recover the grant, or part thereof, if trees fail due to lack of proper maintenance within two years after planting.