As part of our committment to improve the environment Chorley Council pledged to plant one tree for every resident in the Borough in Nov 2019 as part of the Climate Emergency agenda. Tree giveways have taken place each year since 2019/2020. Thank you so much if you participated, to date you have helped us plant around 180,000 trees which has smashed our target of 116,875.
At the moment we are not planning to organise another tree giveaway. We will post details here if anything changes.
For now we are focusing on looking after the trees that have been planted. We are continuing to plant a small number each year within our parks and open spaces on land which is appropriate
If you are a community group, school or landowner there are organisations who are still giving away trees.
Funding for Community-Led Tree Planting Projects (UK)
Free Trees for Communities Across the UK
The International Tree Foundation has announced the launch of its 2025 UK Community Tree Planting Programme, providing new funding opportunities for community groups aiming to boost tree cover and biodiversity across the country.
Community organisations, schools, and local groups can now apply for grants to support tree planting, conservation, and engagement activities. The programme’s main funding stream, focused on woodlands and hedging, supports projects planting between 100 and 10,000 trees per year. Successful applicants can receive up to £2.05 per tree, which covers the cost of the tree, protection, and mulch. Additionally, two maintenance grants of £0.10 per tree are available, paid during the first and second summers after planting to help ensure young trees thrive.
Projects must take place on public or publicly accessible land, such as parks, school grounds, rights of way, or community-managed spaces. Funding can be used for the purchase of native trees, traditional fruit trees, protective materials, and to support community planting events and educational initiatives.
The application process is split into two stages, beginning with an initial eligibility check, followed by a detailed proposal for shortlisted projects. The first round of assessments will take place in October 2025, with grants awarded on a rolling basis as funds allow. The final deadline for applications is 12 December 2025.
Free Trees for Schools and Community Groups (UK)
Free Trees for Schools and Communities - Woodland Trust
Hundreds of thousands of trees are being given away to help the UK reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target.
Schools, nurseries, colleges, universities, outdoor learning centres, and other groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, parish councils, scouts and guides from across the UK are among the organisations eligible to apply for up to 420 saplings to improve their local environment.
Tree packs available include:
- hedge
- copse
- wild harvest
- year-round colour
- working wood
- wild wood
- wildlife
- urban trees.
Applications can be made for up to four separate tree packs as long as the total does not exceed 420 trees
The Woodland Trust are currently taking applications for tree packs to be delivered in November 2025. Applications will close on the 28 August 2025.
Or contact treescapes@lancashire.gov.uk who can advise about grants, tree species and help plan larger scale projects.