Tree Production Capital Grant

The TPCG is a competitive grant, which provides funding to help tree nurseries and seed suppliers invest in projects that improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. The funding aims to increase the resilience and productivity of the UK’s tree production sector enabling a reliable supply of diverse, biosecure and high-quality trees to England.  The government has set legally binding targets to increase tree and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area by 2050. Meeting these planting targets requires a reliable domestic supply of tree planting material.  The TPCG is designed to support tree and tree seed suppliers to meet this demand by improving their productivity and resilience. It also aims to enhance the quality and diversity of trees produced. This will enable us to plant resilient and productive treescapes that support biodiversity and are resilient to stresses such as climate change and pests and diseases.   The fund been designed to complement the:  Tree Production Innovation Fund: supports research projects that will enhance UK tree production methods in England

Seed Sourcing Grant: aims to increase the quantity, quality and diversity of seed sources in England

To be eligible for funding, you must: be UK-based

supply or plan to supply trees or tree seed to England

have sold or supplied trees, tree seed or other plants/seed prior to applying*

*Commercially or as part of a non-profit organisation. It does not include hobby-growing.Applicants to the TPCG can include:  forest nurseries

amenity, fruit or nut tree producers

tree rootstock producers

tree seed suppliers

community, charity or public sector tree nurseries

new entrants to tree production from horticulture (must have sold or supplied other plants or seed)

Each organisation may submit only one application per funding round. Organisations that are linked, affiliated or part of the same group (for example, sister organisations or organisations with shared leadership or governance) are considered as a single applicant. The grant supports the production of trees available for planting, excluding Christmas trees. The grant supports the supply of trees propagated and grown in the UK. If you buy plants to grow on, you will need to outline the source of those plants. Forestry England and Forest Research are not eligible for funding under the TPCG. Example projects suitable for funding can include:  investments in machinery, such as transplanting systems and grading machines

polytunnels and associated infrastructure

rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems

buildings, such as packing sheds or coldstores

biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment

seed processing or storage equipment

costs for purchasing or developing nursery management software

long-life trays

You can bid for multiple different investments.  Read our TPCG case studies to find out how funding benefitted previous grant holders. Eligible costs to apply for:  equipment and machinery

building materials

delivery and shipping costs of items purchased

installation and construction of items purchased (carried out by internal staff or external contractors)

one-off costs for purchasing or developing software

Costs that are not eligible:  retrospective funding for work already carried out or that will be carried out before the grant agreement is signed

maintenance costs of the items purchased

training for staff to use items purchased

administration or project management costs

trees, plants or seeds

consumables*, for example compost, fertiliser or single use trays/containers

software licenses or subscription fees

items bought on hire purchase or on lease

land purchase or rental

planning and regulatory fees

*Consumables are defined as any items with a lifespan of less than one year and/or single use items. All items must be received and work must be completed between the start of your agreement and 27 March 2028. Before applying, make sure you are confident that you can complete all activities and receive all items between these dates. The grant is paid in arrears. To claim for an item, you must have purchased and received it. Make sure you can purchase items up front before claiming.

The funding aims to increase the resilience and productivity of the UK’s tree production sector enabling a reliable supply of diverse, biosecure and high-quality trees to England.

Submit your application to tpcg@forestrycommission.gov.uk by 11:55pm on 8 July 2026. You need to email us a completed: TPCG application form

TPCG finance spreadsheet

evidence of financial viability (when applicable)

business plan (if you have been selling or supplying trees or tree seed for 3 years or less)

The application documents are available on Tree Production Capital Grant application form - GOV.UK.

We expect to issue outcomes on 19 August 2026.