Our work in the
UK and Ireland
ITF’s UK Programme helps communities embrace and champion their local trees and green spaces. Our work is all about bringing people together for trees through projects like planting new community woodlands, creating orchards, or showing how trees and time in nature can boost wellbeing and mental health.
Why plant trees in the UK?
The UK, once covered in vast, ancient forests, now has one of the lowest rates of tree cover in Europe – just 13%! Over centuries, our biodiversity has been stripped away for farming, urban development, infrastructure and commerce. It's a devastating loss that we're only now beginning to reckon with.
But there's finally a push to restore what we've lost and increase our tree cover and with is a recognition of the incredible power of trees for wildlife, people and planet.
Join us as we plant, protect and promote the silent work that trees do to help us all.
Looking to make your
local area greener?
ITF provides grants to registered groups of all shapes and sizes - whether you're a school, parish council, to church group or environmental society.
We know that every project is unique, so our grants are flexible to fit your needs, whatever your size and vision.
Community Tree Planting guides
Planting trees isn’t always straightforward. The whole process needs and deserve careful planning. In our Community Planting Guides you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions, detailed advice and tips on some of the key topics surrounding tree planting and tree care plus links to wider reading for those who want to dive even deeper into a subject.
Our Community Tree Planting is at the heart of our work in the UK. Through this grant giving programme, we empower communities to bring their tree-planting dreams to life – whether that’s creating a woodland, orchard, hedge or something entirely unique!
It's more than just planting trees; it's about giving communities a say in shaping their local environment, bringing people together and inspiring a deep love for nature.
Why community led?
We believe communities are the best decision-makers when it comes to their local treescapes—they know their land and their needs. At ITF, we’re all about community ownership in our projects. It keeps people connected to the trees they plant and helps everyone share in the wonder and awe of watching them grow. Local ownership not only builds strong community ties, it also creates a dedicated team of guardians to care for the trees as they grow.
