New funding available to create tiny forests in Wales

New funding available to create tiny forests in Wales

Tree saplings in the countryside
Get a grant of up to £40,000 to develop new patches of native woodland through our Coetiroedd Bach / Tiny Forests in Wales programme.

Over the next two years, we’re aiming to distribute £2.62million to boost green space across Wales.

We are particularly interested in supporting the creation of Tiny Forests in urban areas and places that will connect existing green spaces together.

Who can apply

The programme is open to anyone who owns or manages land in Wales, including non-for-profit organisations and private owners.

We are offering grants from £10,000 to £40,000 per woodland site. You can apply to create multiple sites, in which case a maximum of £250,000 is available. 

Read our guidance for more information about how to apply for funding.

Tree saplings in a grassy area

What is a Tiny Forest?

They may be small in size, but Tiny Forests have big ambitions for community involvement and addressing biodiversity loss.

Typically about the size of a tennis court, Tiny Forests are prepared and planted to a model created in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. Up to 25 types of native trees are planted close together in an area where the soil has been dug out and enriched with mulch (although not with chemical fertilisers).

A crucial part of the Tiny Forest method is community involvement. The woodland is planted in collaboration with local schools, communities and businesses and the design includes an outdoor classroom where possible. A team of volunteer Tree Keepers monitor and manage the woodland as it grows, ensuring the Tiny Forest can be used as a community space.

Submitting your application

Applications for Coetiroedd Bach / Tiny Forests in Wales are now open, but please be aware that our application portal is closed for planned maintenance until 12noon on 13 April.

Applications will be assessed across three rounds. The deadline and decision dates are –

Round one:

  • application deadline: 10 May 2023
  • decision will be made: end of June 2023

Round two:

  • application deadline: 15 October 2023
  • decision will be made: end of November 2023

Round three:

  • application deadline: 8 May 2024
  • decision will be made: end of June 2024

Working in partnership

We are distributing Coetiroedd Bach / Tiny Forests in Wales on behalf of the Welsh government. They are funding the programme as part of the National Forest for Wales initiative to create woodland across Wales that everyone can access and enjoy.

Earthwatch Europe, an organisation working to create Tiny Forests all across the UK, will help deliver training and monitoring of the Tiny Forest standards.

Find out more

Read our Coetiroedd Bach / Tiny Forests in Wales application guidance to find out everything you need to know about applying – from eligible project types and costs, to actions you need to take before you submit your application.