Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund covers training costs for short, practical forestry and arboriculture courses.
Applies to England
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is closed for new applications due to all the available funding being fully allocated.
About the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for applications. Funding covers training costs for short, practical forestry and arboriculture courses. The fund is designed for people considering a change of career or seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture.
We are offering to cover 100% of the costs for eligible training courses, meaning these are free for applicants. Funding will be paid directly to the training provider. Applicants should note that expenses, such as travel are not covered.
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 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 types of courses qualify for funding?
Forestry short courses available cover topics including coppicing and chainsaw maintenance, and broader learning on managing your woodland, such as:
- planning and planting a new woodland
- deer stalking
- marketing and selling timber
- fencing and hedge laying.
Arboriculture short courses available cover topics including:
- aerial tree pruning
- branch removal and crown reduction
- assisted felling and tree surveying
You may request courses that are not on the suggested list of courses by providing a business case and we will assess suitability of the course and provider.
Applicants can apply for up to a maximum of 3 courses through this round of funding.
How to apply
The fund is currently closed for applications.
Complete and submit the application form for the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund. A searchable course list will help you find out what’s available before submitting your application.
Find out if you are eligible
We welcome applications from:
- people who would like to take a step towards a career in forestry or arboriculture
- people currently working in other land-based sectors (such as agriculture) who would like to broaden their skill base
- people wanting to switch careers and need to develop skills to get them started
- people currently working in forestry and arboriculture who would like to develop their skills
Funding is available to those applicants who work and operate in England. Forestry Commission employees are not eligible to apply.
When is the deadline to apply for funding?
There is no deadline for applications, however, funding for courses is limited and we would encourage those interested to apply early.
If you have any questions about the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund please email enquiries@forestryandarbtrainingfund.co.uk.
Training Providers
To get involved, Training Providers must apply to join the register which is managed by East Midlands Business on behalf of the Forestry Commission. Email enquiries@forestryandarbtrainingfund.co.uk or visit the portal for more information.
Updates to this page
Published 3 February 2023Last updated 29 August 2024 + show all updates
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Updated to reflect that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is now closed for applications.
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Added line to reflect that some course categories may no longer be available due to high demand.
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Updated text to communicate that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is now open.
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Updated copy to reflect that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund will reopen.
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Updated to reflect that the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is currently closed for new applications as all available funding is currently fully allocated.
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Update to reflect that only applications for Instructor Training courses are currently being accepted. All other funding for the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is fully allocated.
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Updated to highlight the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is now open for applications.
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Updated the Forestry Training Fund to The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund. This fund is an extension of the Forestry Training Fund which opened at the start of 2023. The newly expanded fund will cover training costs for short, practical forestry courses as well as arboriculture courses. The fund is designed for people seeking to build or diversify skills or those considering a change of career into these sectors. The newly expanded Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund will reopen for applications soon.
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Updated to confirm the allocation of funds.
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Update: Demand for the Forestry Training Fund Grant has been extremely high. All available funding for training courses to be undertaken prior to 31st March 2024 is now fully allocated.
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First published.