£2,500 grants available for community tree projects

Norfolk County Council in partnership with Busseys has today launched a grant scheme to help local communities plant new trees and create greener and cleaner areas to live. The scheme is part of the council's one million trees initiative and aims to support tree planting projects across the county and contribute to ambitious net-zero targets.

The Busseys Community Tree Grant has made £10,000 (maximum of £2,500 per application) available to community organisations in Norfolk who are passionate about tree planting. Applications must be for planting trees that provide a tangible community benefit.

Cllr Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: "This collaboration represents a significant step towards enhancing the county's green spaces, nature recovery, and ecosystem. I am thrilled that we are working with the Busseys family and that together we can promote and support tree planting across our picturesque county through this initiative. We all know that money doesn't grow on trees - but this scheme will provide local communities with the money they need to make trees grow! I encourage local communities to develop their plans and apply for this fantastic scheme."

Busseys managing director, Paul Bussey, said: "We have a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Our Tree Planting Initiative, which began in 2007, has allowed us to plant trees for every customer who purchases a vehicle from us or donating to Foodcycle for meals. We are excited to expand this initiative in partnership with Norfolk County Council to further promote greenery, cleaner air, and overall community well-being in Norfolk."

To ensure the success of this project, an application process has been put in place to guarantee that all trees are planted in suitable locations to maximise their survival and provide a meaningful community benefit.

This grant initiative is open to anyone in Norfolk who possesses the necessary land permissions and space to undertake tree planting projects.