Get funding and advice for planting your own trees
Planting trees is more important than ever to mitigate climate change, boost biodiversity and improve our green spaces. The Bucks Tree Mission has made great progress, planting over 216,000 trees across Buckinghamshire, but we need your help to reach our goal of 500,000 new trees by 2031.
Alongside creating new woodlands, we will be offering opportunities outside council-owned land, for individuals and organisations to get involved with tree planting. While we work on developing the support we can offer, you can contact the team or register your interest by email [email protected].
This page explains what to consider before deciding to plant a tree, as well as sources of funding that you may be able to claim to help cover costs.
Funding schemes
Green Futures Fund
Heart of Bucks have grants available for eligible schools and community organisations to undertake projects designed to improve the environment and public spaces.
Government grants
Government led schemes exist for larger scale tree planting:
Woodland Carbon Code
The Woodland Carbon Code is the quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK, and generates independently verified carbon units. Units are used to offset emissions.
Qualifying sites meet transparent criteria and standards to ensure that real carbon benefits are delivered
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust are offering free trees to schools and community groups. Find out more on their website.
The Tree Council
The Tree Council offers lots of guidance and a range of different grants to support tree, hedgerow and orchard establishment. Find out more on their website.
Community groups
Releaf Marlow is a project to increase the number of trees in and around Marlow. It is run by Transition Town Marlow with the backing of Marlow Town Council.
reLEAF Haddenham will double tree cover in the parish over the next 10 years. It is a joint project between Zero Carbon Haddenham and Haddenham Parish Council.
Tree planting guidance
Find out how to prepare for tree planting and what it involves.
Location is important when considering planting a tree as it could cause damage to habitats in some areas.
Some areas of land have special protections due to their wildlife or archaeology, so planting trees in these places may be against the law.
To find out if you can plant a tree in an area:
- check for national designations
- check for local designations
- check if the area is listed
- check if you need permission from the council (if it's on the verge of a highway)
It is best practice in general to:
- plant smaller species of trees so there is less risk of the roots interfering with utilities and cabling
- avoid planting too close to land boundaries so the roots don't negatively affect neighbouring land
Apply to plant a tree on council land
You are also able to suggest locations for trees to be planted within roadsides and verges managed and maintained by us.
For more information see Apply to plant a tree on council land.
In England, you do not need planning permission to plant less than two hectares (20,000 sq. metres) in a low risk area. These are places that have no existing designations. Otherwise, you would need an Environmental Impact Assessment from the Forestry Commission.
Subject to the above, you can plant on your own private land, but should always seek permission from the landowner if you want to plant elsewhere.
For schools and community groups thinking about planting at your school, make sure you speak to the council’s Education team to plan your planting.
The space needed to plant the tree depends on the size of the tree to be planted. You will need to consider the tree once grown rather than the space needed while it is young.
If planting in a woodland setting then plant 3 to 4 metres apart and if planting a hedgerow, plant at 4 per metre in a staggered row.
Before you choose a type of tree you have to consider the soil in the area you will be planting it.
Certain types of tree will grow better in particular types of soil. It is best to avoid planting on peaty soils completely.
Planting on chalk
The following tree types grow well on chalk:
- beech
- large leaved lime
- bird cherry
- yew
- field maple hazel
- wayfaring tree
Planting on clay
The following tree types grow well on clay:
- common oak
- ash
- hawthorn
- crab apple
- hazel
- wild cherry
- dogwood
You will most likely want to plant juvenile trees (saplings). These come in two types:
- Whips – normally 100 to 125cm, although may be smaller
- Feathered/feathered whip – approx. 175 to 250cm tall
When purchasing your tree, you should ensure the retailer is part of the Plant Healthy Certification Scheme.
The tree planting season broadly runs from October to April, so you should aim to complete your planting during these months.
View the Woodland trusts guidance on how to plant a tree and how to care for them afterwards.
The safety of trees is nearly always the responsibility of the owner of the land on which they grow. The tree owner has a duty under the Occupiers Liability Acts to take reasonable steps to ensure visitors or trespassers on their land are safe. Public liability insurance cover is available for woodland owners.