Greening our urban areas with our Urban Forestry Programme

Scotland’s towns and cities urgently need more trees to create greener, healthier places for people and nature.

Over 80% of us live in towns and cities – yet many areas still don’t have enough trees. Trees cool our streets, clean our air, reduce flooding and bring nature into daily life. They make our neighbourhoods healthier and more beautiful, while supporting wildlife.

Our Urban Forestry Programme, launched with funding from bp and now supported by JERA Nex bp, is helping put trees where they’re needed most and create greener, healthier places across Scotland.

What we do

Through the Urban Forestry Programme, we:

• Provide funding for tree planting and greening projects through the Urban Forestry Challenge Fund
• Work with partners to build skills, knowledge and capacity to create long-term change

The Urban Forestry Challenge Fund – two grant options available

The Urban Forestry Challenge Fund provides grants of up to £100,000 for projects that support the 3-30-300 rule:

• 3: Everyone should be able to see at least three trees from home, school or work
• 30: Every neighbourhood should have at least 30% tree canopy cover
• 300: Everyone should live within 300 metres of quality greenspace

We prioritise areas with the fewest trees, guided by Tree Equity Tool, so that trees and green spaces benefit the people and places that need them most.

In its first year, the Urban Forestry Challenge Fund supported 12 projects across Scotland. Three are already planting over 6,000 trees, while others are laying the groundwork to help urban forestry thrive in the years ahead.

Applications for the current round close on 23 January 2026. Apply now to bring your project to life.

Download Guidance Booklet