Aims/priorities: The Forest for the Nation Competition aims to create a new Forest in England. The competition is inspired by the achievements of the National Forest, which has transformed the landscape across 200 square miles of the Midlands since the 1990s.
The Forest for the Nation is expected to:
- Deliver transformational landscape-scale change.
- Contribute to government tree planting and net zero targets.
- Enhance public access to the countryside.
- Empower communities to take ownership of their local woodland.
A diverse range of proposals are sought, including woodland creation, the expansion and connection of existing woodlands, and better management of woodlands to improve their resilience and health.
Who can apply? Defra welcomes applications from organisations across both the public and private sectors. Applicants must have agreement from an English local authority to receive and distribute the grant. Local authorities, conservation organisations, land managers and other delivery partners are encouraged to work together to develop bids. The competition applies to England only.
Grant amount: There will be a maximum of four successful applicants at stage one. Those who are successful at stage one could be awarded 16 weeks’ worth of grant funding to develop their bid into a full proposal for stage two.
There will be one overall winner who will be awarded up to £10 million to fund their project, and mentorship from the National Forest Company throughout the initial Forest for the Nation implementation period.
Application process: Defra will run a two-stage competitive grant process.
Stage one is open for applications between 3 February 2024 and 18 March 2024 (10:00).
To apply, applicants must submit an outline proposal with their vision for the Forest for the Nation.
For those bids that progress to stage two, proposal must:
- Include fully costed plans.
- Have a local authority sponsor - willing to support and promote the Forest for the Nation proposals, and to act as the accountable body for Defra funding.
The National Forest Company will provide advice and support to applicants with developing their bids.
The winning bid will be selected and announced in autumn 2024.
To register interest in the competition, interested parties should email forestforthenation@defra.gov.uk. Those who register will be able to access advice and support, including a webinar session, before the competition opens.
Deadline: Monday 18 March 2023, 10am.
Contact information: Email: forestforthenation@defra.gov.uk