The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has announced the launch of the second round of funding for small-scale tree planting projects.

Following on from the success of a previous project, it will be delivered in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Forestry, the Woodland Trust and Land Energy, and the scheme will provide grants worth up to £1,000 to individuals and organisations who want to plant trees.

This second round of grant funding sees the programme expand its geographic coverage to include East Ayrshire as well as South Ayrshire, where the scheme was first piloted.

The fund is open to planting projects located within the GSA Biosphere boundary and applications will be accepted until Monday, March 17, 2025.

Up to 100 per cent of material costs such as plants, shelters, tree guards and fencing materials may be funded, with the possibility of funded labour costs as well for non-profit organisations.

Commenting on the tree-planting initiative, Project lead Antoine Lemaire, the GSA Biosphere’s Nature Recovery Officer, said: “All 748 UNESCO Biospheres around the world share a remit to promote conservation and nature restoration, and the Ayrshire Small-Scale Tree-Planting Programme is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our landscapes and support biodiversity.

"We are especially pleased to be working alongside multi-sector partners on a programme that has such great potential to bring long term benefits for our wildlife and habitats, and contribute to the wellbeing of Ayrshire's rural communities.”

South Ayrshire Councillor Alec Clark, who sits on the Biosphere’s board of trustees, added: “This is a fantastic programme that embodies the array of opportunities for improving our green space and developing long term collaborations between landowners, public bodies, and Ayrshire’s dynamic third sector.

"It’s also a great example of the value of our UNESCO Biosphere designation for generating local action on global issues, giving everyone a chance to play a part in resolving the climate and nature crises.”

Anyone interested in the tree planting programme can find more information and application forms online or by emailing antoine@gsabiosphere.org.uk.