The council has launched an initiative to help increase the number of trees that are planted in Chichester District. This is part of the council's wider ambition to tackle climate change and support the district's wildlife.
A number of free trees are being made available which people will be able to apply for from July, ready for the upcoming planting season. These free trees are available to everyone including schools, community groups, individual residents, landowners and businesses. They can be planted on your own land, or land owned by someone else provided you have the landowner's permission.
- How to apply
- Application deadline
- Application process
- Other national tree schemes
- Frequently asked questions
How to apply
To apply, you will need to ensure you have the space available to plant the trees, have someone responsible for planting and maintaining them, and have landowner's permission and/or management control over the land.
The trees will come in bundles of 10 or 20 and will be suitable for the soil type you are planting in. They will come complete with biodegradable guards and stakes to help protect them.
There are a few things you will need to consider when making your application. Please refer to the guidance notes.
Application deadline
The applications will close on Wednesday 1 September 2021, or when all the trees have been allocated.
Application process
All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria and trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Successful applicants will need to be able to come and collect their trees from a designated collection point in the district.
If you have any additional questions please email: treescheme@chichester.gov.uk or call 01243 521161.
Other national tree schemes
There are a number of different schemes available nationwide which provide free or subsidised trees to those individuals or organisations that are looking to plant them. The aim of the council's new initiative is to support applicants through the process of applying for these trees.
Funding and/or trees are available to:
- individuals;
- homeowners;
- schools;
- community groups;
- private landowners; and
- tenant farmers.
For further information on funding that may be available to you for tree planting and support in securing trees for planting, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
The new Chichester District Council tree scheme is open to everyone in the district including individuals, homeowners, schools, community groups, private landowners and tenant farmers. Trees can be planted on your own land, or land owned by someone else provided you have landowner permission. There is further information in the guidance notes document.
Before applying, it is important to remember that planting is just the first step, and there are a few things to consider when preparing your application. If you have any questions or need any help with your application, please contact our Tree Project Officer on treescheme@chichester.gov.uk or call 01243 521161 for a postal application form.
Yes, you must obtain permission from the landowner to plant the trees, as all future responsibility for the trees will rest with the landowner. Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council or Parish Councils can offer help when establishing who owns the land.
Yes, there are two schemes to help people who only want one or two trees:
You will be responsible for maintaining and watering your trees for at least the first three years after they have been planted. When you apply for the trees we will direct you to guidance on how to maintain your trees.
Yes, when you apply for the trees we will direct you to guidance on how to plant your trees.
No, you can only apply once for the trees, however you can apply for up to 10 bundles. We will also be running a similar scheme next year.
Yes, please email treescheme@chichester.gov.uk or call 01243 521161 for a postal application form.