Almost 10,000 native trees were planted across the Scottish Borders in the first year of the Borders Tree Grant Scheme, as organisers prepare to launch the next round of funding later this month.
The scheme, run by Tweed Forum and Borders Forest Trust, will open for 2025–26 applications at the Border Union Show in Kelso on July 25.
Grants of up to £1000 are available for farmers, landowners, schools and charities to plant individual trees or small clumps in hedgerows, field margins, riverbanks, parkland's, and other sites.
In its first year, 59 successful applications resulted in the planting of 9789 trees. These included hedgerow plantings, small copses and orchards, as well as trees placed to stabilise riverbanks and improve habitat along waterways.
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Organisers say the scheme is designed to boost biodiversity, provide shelter for livestock, store carbon, reduce soil erosion, slow floodwaters and offer shade for rivers - helping young salmon during warm summers.
The Borders Tree Grant Scheme is jointly funded by Scottish Forestry, Woodland Trust Scotland and Scottish Borders Council.
Derek Robeson, conservation manager at Tweed Forum, hailed the results.
“It was fantastic to see almost 10,000 trees planted in the first year,” he said. “We believe this illustrates a real desire from farmers and community groups across the region to enhance the Borders landscape, tackle climate change and improve biodiversity for generations to come. We hope this year’s scheme will be just as successful.”
Hannah Cockett, native woodland advisor at Borders Forest Trust, added: “This is a simple, accessible way for people to make a lasting, positive impact on their land and the wider environment. We were delighted with the response in the first year and hope to encourage even more applications for the 2025–26 season.”
Those interested in applying for the new round can visit Tweed Forum’s stand at the Border Union Show or contact the organisations directly for details.
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