Busseys Community Tree Grant for Norfolk

The Busseys family, a well-known business leader in Norfolk, has partnered with us to deliver a grant to support tree planting across Norfolk. In this first year, Busseys is providing £10,000 to support anyone in Norfolk looking to plant trees that deliver a community benefit. The maximum grant per application is £2,500.

The Busseys community tree grant contributes towards the Council's net zero target. It will enhance valuable green space for local people to enjoy. New woodland and trees outside of woodland will help to improve nature recovery, providing multiple ecosystem services such as health and wellbeing, clean air, and food.

Busseys launched their first tree planting initiative in 2007 by offering to plant a tree for every customer who bought a car from them. Since then they have been involved in many tree planting schemes. Learn more about Busseys tree initiatives.

There is an application process for this scheme to ensure:

• Planting is in the right place to maximise the trees survival
• The right land permissions are in place
• Planting provides benefits to the local community

Anyone in Norfolk can apply provided you meet the grant criteria.

Anyone in Norfolk who has a planting scheme with an ongoing benefit to the local community can apply.

This includes:

• Schools, colleges, universities
• Childcare nurseries
• Care homes - charity or community funded
• Community groups
• Private and individuals and/or landowners
• Tenants and residents associations
• Parish/town councils/community councils
• Tree warden networks
• Registered charities
• Businesses, private companies

You must either own the land where you are planting the trees or have the written permission of the landowner. If your application is successful, we might ask for evidence of consent. If you don't provide this, we won't be able to give you the grant funding.

The grant supports tree planting in Norfolk and will fund:

Trees

We prefer to fund younger trees which usually establish and survive better than planting larger trees.

However we will fund trees up to "standard" size (8-10cm stem circumference).

The trees we can fund are:

• Orchard trees - these should be available for community use and consumption. They cannot be for commercial orchard purposes.
• Single trees
• Small woodlands or copses
• Shelter belts or rows of trees

If you want us to fund another type of tree, email us at tree.planting@norfolk.gov.uk so we can review your request.

Hedging is not eligible under this grant funding. However you can currently buy hedge packs from us through our subsidised tree pack scheme. Your county councillor may be able to cover some of the cost from their discretionary fund. The subsidised tree pack scheme guide explains more about this. 

To protect trees and the wider environment from pests and diseases, we encourage projects to source their trees from UKISG (UK and Ireland sourced and grown) or Plant Healthy certified nurseries. You must not buy trees from abroad, unless you bought them from a Plant Healthy certified nursery. 

The application form asks you about the species you intend to plant. You are responsible for ensuring the mix chosen is suitable for the land use.

If you do not know the tree species you would like to plant, email us at tree.planting@norfolk.gov.uk before you apply. A team member can help you.

Tree protection

It's important to consider protecting and maintaining your newly planted trees.

Tree protection we can fund with this grant includes:

• Guards/tubes/spirals (preferably biodegradable) with a bamboo cane. This usually protects trees from small mammals such as rabbits.
• Tree shelter with a stake. If you live in an area which has a lot of deer or hare, you might want to consider a taller guard such as a tree shelter with a stake. Ideally your tree shelters should be biodegradable and the stakes FSC certified.
• Mesh guards
• The following mulching materials (mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and helps keep weeds down):
  • Sourcing wood chip for mulch
  • Other biodegradable mulching materials

If you want other tree protection email us at tree.planting@norfolk.gov.uk so we can review your request.

Delivery cost of trees and tree protection

The grant will fund reasonable delivery costs for the trees and tree protection/mulch materials.

The grant does not fund:

• Planting labour costs
• Project staff cost
• Ongoing maintenance costs such as watering or weed removal

We encourage you to engage with your local communities for support with planting and maintenance. This can be done through your parish council, tree warden and/or any local community groups.

Planting the right trees in the right place creates a positive impact.

Before you apply, consider what trees you are planting, why you are planting them and what impact they will have on the area around them.

For example, different species grow to different heights, so how big might your trees get? Is the land already a valuable habitat and might trees have a negative effect on that?

To help get the trees in the right place, we'll ask you if:

• The planting site is free from underground/over ground utilities
• Trees will create a significant amount of shade or limit usage in a neighbouring property
• You are planting on land that is protected through designation (land that has special protection status). You will need to check if this applies to you by using Magic Map. Search for your planting location and turn on 'Designations' and 'Habitats and Species' in the table of contents.
  • This includes any rare or protected species/habitats such as grassland, wetlands, or heathland
  • Tree planting within Scheduled Monuments requires Scheduled Monuments Consent from Historic England
  • Other designated sites may require consultation or permission from the relevant statutory body. For example, a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) or County Wildlife Site.
• There is a Public Right of Way within 10 metres of your planting proposals
  • You can check this by looking at our Public Rights of Way webpage. This includes the Public Rights of Way interactive map and access to the 'Definitive Map' to check for legally defined widths. Be aware that the used route on the ground may not reflect the legal route or legal width.
  • If there is a Public Right of Way within 10m of where you want to plant, consider a wider corridor to take account of height and width of future growth. Maintenance of the trees next to a Public Right of Way is the tree owner's responsibility. So you would need to make sure that they don't interfere with the public's use of the route. For example, encroaching into the width or overhanging branches.
  • If in the future your trees obstruct a Public Right of Way, you may need to remove them at your own cost. The obstruction could be either direct or by reducing the legal width.

If you can't use the Magic Map or Public Right of Way interactive map for any reason, you can tell us in the application form so we can help you.

The application form has an interactive map so you can mark where you'll plant them. If you're unable to use the interactive map, there is an alternative way to provide this information.

The grant will support tree planting projects that demonstrate community benefits. In the application form, tell us how your project benefits the public and local community.  This may include: 

• Health and wellbeing such as social interaction and a stronger sense of community. Is the community going to be involved in tree planting or tree maintenance?
• Food production such as free food or food for local community kitchens
• Developing new skills and education opportunities
• Reduction in crime
• Improvement in local area. For example:
  • Provide shade in community areas
  • Flood protection
  • Positive impact on noise pollution
  • Improvement of visual landscape for the local community
  • Benefit for the local wildlife and the environment

You should also tell us if you are looking to involve any community in planning, planting and/or aftercare.

Grant value

There will be no minimum grant award value, however grants will be capped at £2,500 per project (excl VAT). This includes the cost of the trees, extras and delivery only.

Sourcing trees and other items

You need to source the trees and any tree protection or mulch. You will pay for these (including delivery) up front and then we (Norfolk County Council) will reimburse you once you've provided proof of purchase.

If your application is approved, we will contact you and provide details about the reimbursement process. You should not purchase any trees or items before your application has been formally approved by us.

As part of your application you'll need to provide:

• Quotes you have received for trees and other items - you'll need to email your quotes to tree.planting.gov.uk. Quotes should reflect a commitment to getting these items at a competitive and cost-effective rate.
• A breakdown of costs showing how you'll spend the grant

You will need to demonstrate that your application offers good value for money. This could include:

• Collecting the trees or other materials directly from the nurseries (saving on delivery costs)
• Re-using existing tree protection
• Comparing costs from several suppliers and choose the best value for money. You can email us more than one quote to evidence this.
• Choosing to plant younger trees (such as feathers and whips) that are cheaper than standard trees and usually establish better (providing appropriate care)

Cash flow challenges

For small community groups or charities facing cash flow challenges, email us at tree.planting@norfolk.gov.uk. We can explore suitable solutions to support you with your application.

You need to complete an online application form to apply for your trees. This is so we can check you have the right land permissions and space as well as a community benefit. You must answer all mandatory questions and provide any documents we ask for. Your application is likely to be unsuccessful if you don't provide the information we need.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 31 December 2024. However, we will award grants on a first come first served basis (if you meet the grant criteria). If we have awarded all the funding before Tuesday 31^st December, the application window will close sooner. We will assess applications in the order we receive them, and at the time we receive them. Or, in batches at regular intervals depending on the number of applications we get.

Apply online

We will notify you if you are successful within five weeks of a completed submission.

You must plant your trees by 31 March 2025.

Planting trees using good practice methods gives them a greater chance of surviving and thriving. For example, by avoiding damaging delicate roots or planting too deep.

The following websites have planting guidance:

• Woodland Trust's guide on how to plant a tree - contains images and videos to help you with your tree planting
• The Tree Council's planting guidance
• Forestry Commission's urban tree planting manual

Aftercare

Without care, many newly planted trees will die in their early years after planting. Read 8 tree care tips for young trees on The Tree Council Website.

Tell us on the application form about your aftercare plans to ensure a higher proportion of the trees survive and remain healthy long-term. Include any plans for watering and monitoring plants, and who will be in charge of it.

We will not be able to fund projects that do not explain how trees will be maintained in the future.

If this grant doesn't cover all your needs or your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to get a contribution from your county councillor, if you are:

• A community group
• A town or parish council
• An individual who can prove a 'community benefit'

County councillors have a discretionary £10,000 Highway Member Fund. They can fund highway and environmental work including tree planting and other biodiversity schemes in their area.

Approach your councillor directly and proceed with any agreements and payments with them.

Find your local councillor

Bussey & Sabberton Bros. Limited ("Bussey"), a car dealership in Norfolk, are making grant funding available to the public (including individuals, organisations and businesses). This is for the purpose of purchasing trees and tree protection materials to be planted in Norfolk for the benefit of the community. This is in support of Norfolk County Council's (the "Council") 1 Million Trees for Norfolk project. 

The Council has agreed to facilitate this grant funding by processing the applications, processing payments to recipients and monitoring the progress of the trees.

Once the Council has approved the application, the Council will reimburse the applicant for the amount agreed ("the grant funding") provided you accept the terms and conditions which are set out in this document and provide proof of purchase.

This agreement are the terms and conditions of the grant funding between the Council (referred to as "we" in this agreement) and you (the "parties").

Definitions used in this agreement

• "application form" means the Busseys Community Tree Grant for Norfolk application form
• "authorised officer" means the officer or officers of the Council designated to carry out the tasks identified in the agreement
• "business customer" means a business, including an individual, purchasing the products wholly or mainly for use in connection with your trade, business, craft or profession
• "data protection legislation" means the DPA 2018 to the extent that it relates to processing of personal data and privacy; and all applicable Law about the processing of personal data and privacy
• "intellectual property rights" means all vested and contingent and future intellectual property rights including but not limited to copyright, trade marks, service marks, design rights (whether registered or unregistered), patents, know-how, trade secrets, inventions, get-up, database rights and any applications for the protection or registration of these rights and all renewals and extensions thereof existing in any part of the world whether now known or in the future created
• "project" means the purchase of trees and tree protection materials to be planted in Norfolk
• "the Busseys logo" means the logo attached at schedule 2 (this will be provided if your application is successful)
• "the Norfolk County Council logo" means the logo attached at schedule 3 (this will be provided if your application is successful)

1. Terms and conditions

• 1.1. This agreement starts when this agreement is dated by us and ends on 30 June 2025
• 1.2. This agreement and the application form will together form the complete agreement

2. Your obligations

• 2.1. You will only use the grant funding for the purpose of the project
• 2.2. If you are a business customer, you will not use the purchased trees for any commercial, business or resale purposes, and the Council and Busseys have no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity
• 2.3. You will plant the trees by 31 March 2025 at the location specified in the application form. You shall maintain the trees for a minimum of three years until 31 March 2028 and then allow the trees to grow on to maturity. 
• 2.4. You will provide proof of purchase of the trees and tree protection material to us within 30 days of the date of the receipt or invoice
• 2.5. We will send an evaluation questionnaire each year until 30 April 2028 which you will complete. You will send two initial photos with the first completed questionnaire, one before the trees are planted and one photo once you have planted the trees, by 12 April 2025. You will supply an updated photo of the planted trees with the completed questionnaire each year until 30 April 2028.
• 2.6. You confirm that you own the land or have permission from the landowner. You shall provide evidence of permission from the landlord or a copy of your land registry title register, if we request it. Failure to do so will mean we will not give you the grant funding.
• 2.7. You shall fully co-operate with the authorised officer in allowing the authorised officer to access the site where the trees are planted for the purpose of monitoring the progress of the project. We will provide reasonable notice to you before entering the premises.

3. Grant payment

• 3.1. Subject to you providing proof of purchase, we will pay the grant funding to you within 30 days of us receiving the invoice.
• 3.2. The maximum grant we will provide is £2,500 excluding value added tax (VAT). You shall be responsible for any VAT or any other tax liability.

4. Intellectual property

• 4.1. The parties agree that all intellectual property rights whatsoever owned by either party before the commencement date or developed by either party during the term of the agreement, shall remain the property of that party.
• 4.2. Where we have provided you with any intellectual property rights for use in connection with the project (including without limitation its name and logo), you shall, on termination of this agreement, cease to use such intellectual property rights immediately and shall either return or destroy such intellectual property rights as requested by us.
• 4.3. You shall not publish any material referring to the project without the prior written agreement of us
• 4.4. We must comply with the data protection legislation. Our arboriculture and woodland privacy notice tells you how we use and keep your information.
• 4.5. You understand that details of the grant may be published by us to meet the requirements of the local government transparency code

5. Promotional activities

• 5.1. You shall acknowledge the support of the Council and Busseys in any materials that refer to the project and in any written or spoken public presentations about the project. Such acknowledgements (where appropriate or as requested by Busseys and/or the Council) shall include Busseys and/or the Council's name and logo (or any future name or logo adopted by the Council) using the templates provided by the Council from time to time.
• 5.2. You agree to participate in and co-operate with promotional activities relating to the project that may be instigated and/or organised by the Council and/or Busseys
• 5.3. For business customers and organisations, the Council and Bussey may acknowledge your involvement in the project as appropriate without prior notice. Such acknowledgements (where appropriate or as requested by you) shall include your name and logo (or any future name or logo adopted by you) using the templates provided by you.
• 5.4. You shall comply with all reasonable requests from the Council to facilitate visits, provide reports, statistics, photographs and case studies that will assist the Council in their promotional activities relating to the project once every quarter from the project commencement date
• 5.5. If you have selected on the application form that you consent to the Council and Busseys using your supplied photos and name for publicity purposes, then we may acknowledge your involvement in the project as appropriate without prior notice

6. Review and clawback

• 6.1. The Council may withhold or demand repayment of the grant funding at its absolute discretion, in any of the following circumstances, if you:
  • 6.1.1. Fail to comply with this agreement;
  • 6.1.2. Fail to obtain landlord or landowner consent (if applicable);
  • 6.1.3. Obtain duplicate funding from a third party for the project;
  • 6.1.4. Give significantly misleading or inaccurate information, whether deliberate or accidental during the grant period including but not limited to any information relating to the outcomes and targets;
  • 6.1.5. Becomes legally ineligible to hold the grant funding
• 6.2. In the event of termination, the Council shall cease to be under any obligation to you and all payments of grant funding shall cease immediately
• 6.3. You shall promptly repay to the Council any money incorrectly paid to it either as a result of an administrative error or otherwise under clause 6. This includes (without limitation) situations where either an incorrect sum of money has been paid or where grant monies have been paid in error before all conditions attaching to the grant have been complied with by you.
• 6.4. If a clawback is imposed a notice will be sent to you setting out the amount of overpayment that the Council considers has occurred together with the level of clawback imposed
• 6.5. If a clawback is imposed you shall pay the amount

7. Indemnity

• 7.1. The Council accepts no liability for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, that may come about from you running the project, the use of the funding or from withdrawal of the funding. You shall indemnify and hold harmless us, by reason of the actions and/or omissions of you in relation to the project, the non-fulfilment of obligations of you under this agreement or its obligations to third parties.

8. Liability

• 8.1. Neither party excludes or limits liability to the other for:
  • 8.1.1. death or personal injury caused by its negligence;
  • 8.1.2. fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
  • 8.1.3. any breach of any obligations implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 or section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982; or
  • 8.1.4. any other matter which, by law, may not be excluded or limited
• 8.2. This agreement may be terminated by us giving one month's written notice to you or on immediate notice if you are in breach of any of the terms contained in clause 6.1

9. Notice

• 9.1. Any notice or other communication required to be given under this agreement, shall be in writing by email to the relevant party required to receive the notice or communication to the email addresses in the application form or as otherwise specified by the relevant party by notice in writing to the other party

10. Disputes

• 10.1. In the event of a dispute between us in relation to this agreement we shall resolve the matter on an amicable basis. If we fail to resolve such disputes, the dispute shall be referred to the Head of Service of the Council and you. 

11. No agency

• 11.1. The agreement shall not constitute or imply any partnership, joint venture, agency, fiduciary relationship or other relationship between the parties other than the contractual relationship expressly provided for in the agreement. Neither party shall have, nor represent that it has, any authority to make any commitments on the other party's behalf.

12. Whole agreement

• 12.1. Each party acknowledges that these terms and conditions and any appendices thereto contain the whole agreement between the parties and supersedes any previous agreement between the parties whether written or oral

13. Severability

• 13.1. If any provision of this agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason by any court or competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed and the remainder of the provisions of this agreement shall continue in full force and effect as if the agreement had been executed with the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision eliminated
• 13.2. In the event of a holding of invalidity so fundamental as to prevent the accomplishment of the purpose of the agreement, the parties shall immediately commence negotiations in good faith to remedy the invalidity

14. Governing law

• 14.1. The terms of this agreement are subject to English law and the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with this agreement