Forest Society Grants Are Now Open

The second round of the Forest Society grant scheme is now open until 22nd February 2022. The deadline for applications is 5pm on the 21st February 2021.

The Forest Society Grant scheme funds new ways to support the health and wellbeing of residents and communities within the National Forest. It aims to engage new and diverse audiences, increase participation, and use local woodlands to harness the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.

The National Forest 25-year vision is for a forest environment, forest society and forest economy that can work together to create a greener and healthier future. Our vision is for a National Forest society that reflects a strong Forest identity, fosters sustainable living, and promotes thriving communities. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of people having access to natural habitats close to where they live. This has allowed people to exercise, gather safely (when restrictions have allowed), have quiet space for reflection and has helped to strengthen our relationship with nature.

Through this grant programme we want to find new ways to support people as we continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic; we want to demonstrate how local woodlands can be a tonic for our wellbeing, and to engage new and diverse audiences to increase activities in the National Forest. All activity must benefit residents and communities living within the National Forest boundary utilising the wellbeing potential of local woodlands.

What’s on offer?

We are looking to award between 5 and 7 grants within a budget range of £1,000 – £3,000. It is not essential to have match funding to apply, but it may add support to your application, including any in-kind support.

How to Apply

You will need to complete the application form which can be downloaded here and must be returned to the National Forest team by 21st February 2022.

Please complete the form carefully, making sure to include:

• A clear explanation of the project, its aims and the methods used to engage people.
• How you will measure success and demonstrate benefit for participants.
• Whether and how you intend to utilise Timber 2022 to support your project.
• The expected impacts and legacy of the project, identifying how benefits created during the project may continue in the future.

If you require further information or an informal discussion about your application, please contact Hollie Davison at hdavison@nationalforest.org or call 07816364775.

Download the application form and guidance from the National Forest website