Are you a landowner or manager, or representative of an area in the South Downs National Park that would benefit from more tree planting?
With more woodland than any other National Park in England or Wales, trees already form a vital part of our precious South Downs landscape.
However, pests and diseases like ash dieback and Dutch elm disease are growing concerns and threaten a significant number of trees nationally, including in the South Downs National Park.
We are keen to bring more woodland back to the Downs, but it is important to plant the right tree in the right place.
What does Trees for the Downs fund?
The fund supplies trees and suitable protection for the young sapling, such as canes and guards, to sites within the South Downs National Park. Check here: Do I live in the National Park? – South Downs National Park Authority The recipient is responsible for the planting and their ongoing care.
Who can submit an Expression of Interest?
The Trees for the Downs fund is now OPEN to Expressions of Interest for tree planting in the winter of 2024-25.
You will need to be the person/organisation who owns or is responsible for the site, or apply with their permission.
What are the conditions?
Conditions will be applied to each tree supplied through a Memorandum of Understanding. Each landowner/tree recipient will be asked to confirm that they:
- Will cover the planting, ongoing care costs and take responsibility for the management and liability relating to the trees provided
- Will supply monitoring surveys about the survival rate and health of trees supplied for a minimum of 5 years.
- Will provide location details of planted trees on a map once planted. This information will be published in order to monitor and promote the initiative.
How to submit an Expression of Interest
Please read the guidance below and then fill in the Expression of Interest form.
If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Grants Officer, on 07471 997344.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest is now 31 May 2024.
Need inspiration?
Watch this short film about the tree planting at Wild Heart Hill near Worthing in the South Downs. Connecting people to nature and encouraging them to protect – Connect to Protect
Trees for the Downs is possible with special thanks to our supporters:
- The many individuals who have donated
- American Express Foundation
- Aspinal of London
- The Boltini Trust
- Chalk Cliff Trust
- Friends of the South Downs
- Higgidy
- Jude’s
- Nyetimber
- Our Founding Patrons
- South East Water
- Southern Co-op
- Willmott Dixon
Can you help us?
How to Donate towards Trees for the Downs.