Forest Society Grants

The Forest Society grant scheme is currently closed. Please check back later in the year for further opportunities.  

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 4 and 5 grants within a budget range of £2,000 - £4,000. It is not essential to have match funding to apply, but it may add support to your application, including any in-kind support.