UPDATE:
Please note that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications as all available funding is currently fully allocated.
Please ensure that you check with your preferred training provider to confirm confirm that they deliver the course for which you are requesting grant funding, and that they have availability for your chosen dates before you submit your application.
If you live or work in England, you can apply for funding to cover the full cost of short, practical training courses in forestry and arboriculture. Funding is available for people considering a change of career, or seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture skills and who want to undertake a forestry-related or arboriculture-related training course.
UPDATE:
Please note that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications as all available funding is currently fully allocated.
There are a wide range of courses that offer that first step into forestry and arboriculture or will help top-up your current skills and develop your career further.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page for more details.
Our training providers offer fully-funded courses from, but not limited to, planning and planting a new woodland, coppicing, chainsaw maintenance, marketing and selling timber. Arboriculture courses include aerial tree pruning, branch removal and crown reduction, as well as assisted felling and tree surveying.
All you need to do is select the right training for you from our list of eligible courses, choose a training provider from the register and fill in the application form.
Please ensure that you check with your preferred training provider to confirm that they deliver the course for which you are requesting grant funding, and that they have availability for your chosen dates before you submit your application.
If you’re a training provider and deliver any of the eligible courses, you can apply to join the Forestry and Arboriculture Fund Training Provider register by completing the registration form.
You can see the current list of registered providers by viewing the map of Courses and Training Providers which can be found at the bottom of this page.
To join the register you have to have been trading for 12 months, carry appropriate insurance and offer at least one of the eligible courses.
Eligible training courses have been selected to support the training requirements of people that are new to, or already work in the forestry and woodland management and arboriculture industry in England.
You can find a training course in your area by viewing the map of Courses and Training Providers which can be found at the bottom of this page.
Landscaping, horticulture and agriculture training courses are not in scope for this funding.
If you think you need training which is not eligible or costs more than £3,000 plus VAT, you can make a business case by requesting, completing and returning a business case form from enquiries@forestryandarbtrainingfund.co.uk.
What size of grant can I apply for?
We are offering 100% funding for eligible courses, meaning courses are free for applicants. Applicants should note that expenses, such as travel, and safety equipment are not included.
How many times can I apply to the fund?
There is no limit to how many applications can be made so long as it can be demonstrated that individual courses are developing someone’s career.
What if I can’t apply online?
You can print an application form and post it to us.
Where can I find out more information?
Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/forestry-and-arboriculture-training-fund or email enquiries@forestryandarbtrainingfund.co.uk
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is part of the Nature for Climate Fund, part of which will kick-start a step-change in tree planting in England. This will help government achieve the commitment of increasing and protecting biodiversity by providing habitat connectivity, as well as capturing carbon as part of the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.
EMB has been appointed to administer the fund on behalf of the Forestry Commission.
Please use the search tool below to identify the courses that are eligible for grant support, along with details of the training providers that have registered to deliver each course.
Please note that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications as all available funding is currently fully allocated.