An £8.8 million boost is on offer to help our forests and woodlands grow.

Nurseries and tree seed and sapling suppliers can apply for grants of up to £175,000 each to invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations.

The Forestry Commission has announced the Tree Production Capital Grant in partnership with Defra to bolster the industry at pace over the next few years.

Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith said: "With demand for trees set to grow dramatically over the coming years as we pursue our ambitious tree planting targets, fostering a robust forestry industry is critical.

"Supporting the sector with this new funding will safeguard sapling supply chains, create new green jobs and help to realise our long-term vision for our trees and woodlands."

The money will come from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government's £750m Nature for Climate Fund.

The aim is to support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply - delivering on a commitment within the England Trees Action Plan, the Government's long-term plan for the nation's trees, woodlands and forests.

Projects suitable for funding could include investments in transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment.

The grant is open to existing and new suppliers of all sizes.

Richard Stanford, chief executive of the Forestry Commission, said: "The Tree Production Capital Grant will help to build the forestry sector of the future.

"As well as increasing the quantity of trees produced domestically, this grant will enhance their diversity so that forests, woodlands and treescapes which are resilient to stresses like pests, diseases and climate change can be grown.

"I encourage nurseries of all sizes, as well as organisations in allied sectors looking to diversify into tree seed and sapling production, to apply.

The fund has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance tree production methods.

The Forestry Commission will host webinar on the new grants on Wednesday, June 9. Details here 

The Tree Production Capital Grant is open for applications until Thursday, June 30. Details here