UPDATE:
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications due to all available funding being fully allocated.
If you live or work in England, you may be eligible to apply for funding to cover the full cost of short, practical training courses in forestry and arboriculture. 100% grant funding is available for people considering a change of career or seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture and who want to undertake a forestry-related or arboriculture-related training course. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and planting a new woodland, coppicing, deer stalking, 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.
Applicants should note that all training must be completed by no later than 31st March 2025, using one of the pre-registered training providers. You should check with your preferred training provider to confirm that they deliver the course for which you would like to request grant funding, and that they have availability for your chosen dates before you submit your application. Funding will not be awarded for training courses that have either been booked, or completed prior to a grant award being made.
Funding for courses is limited and we would encourage those interested to apply early. Priority will be given to those individuals who either have not previously been awarded grant funding through this programme, or who have been awarded funding for less than 3 courses since February 2023. Individuals who have previously been awarded funding for 3 or more courses may still apply, but there is no guarantee that any further grant funding will be awarded.
Should you wish to apply for grant funding, we would advise that you identify your chosen training provider for the course for which you would like to request grant funding using the searchable course list function below.
UPDATE:
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications due to all available funding being 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 this page for more details.
Our training providers offer fully-funded courses from, but not limited to, planning and planting a new woodland, coppicing, deer stalking, 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 note that all training must be completed by no later than 31st March 2025.
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 submitting your application. Funding will not be awarded for training courses that have either been booked or completed prior to a grant award being made.
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.
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.
Landscaping, horticulture and agriculture training courses are not in scope for this funding.
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?
Priority will be given to those individuals who have not previously been awarded grant funding through the programme, or who have been awarded funding for less than 3 courses since February 2023. Individuals who have previously been awarded funding for 3 or more courses may still apply, but there is no guarantee that any further grant funding will be awarded.
What if I can’t apply online?
You can print an application form and post it to us.
Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/forestry-and-arboriculture-training-fund or email enquiries@forestryandarbtrainingfund.co.uk
EMB Limited has been appointed to administer the fund on behalf of the Forestry Commission.