Trees and woodland in Wiltshire

Currently, Wiltshire has a combined tree canopy coverage of 14%. Our long term aim is to increase this coverage to 17% in line with national government targets as well as meeting the council's commitments as set out in our Climate strategy, and Green and blue infrastructure strategy.

Wiltshire tree Grant Application and Planting Support (GAPS) team

Helping to fill in the 'GAPS' in our landscape - the Wiltshire Council GAPS team has been set up with funding from the Forestry Commission's Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund to provide support to landowners, community groups and local Town and Parish Councils, to deliver substantially more tree planting across the county in support of our aims.

Working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council's Swindon Borough Council: Great Western Community Forest (opens new window), our team of woodland officers can assist with your project planning and any applications for funding.

Project planning

We will help define the scope and aims of your planting project; identify suitable sites for tree and woodland planting using the 'Right Tree, Right Place' principles; and help you to choose the right funding routes that are most suitable for you and your projects.

Application for funding

Working with our partners in the Forestry Commission, the Great Western Community Forest, and wider forestry sector partners, we can help you secure funding for the planting, maintenance and, where appropriate, income generation (for example carbon credits) for your planting project.

View the tree planting grant map to discover which areas of Wiltshire are covered by different grants.

Tree planting grant map (opens new window)

Contact the GAPS team

If you would like to plant trees on your land or become a tree warden, or for further information on how we can help you, or if you have any questions, contact us: GAPS@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Tree warden scheme

If you want to do more to support the planting of trees in Wiltshire, why not become a tree warden for your Town or Parish Council. As well as helping promote tree planting opportunities at a local level you can help monitor existing trees in your area; discover more about the role on the The Tree Council: Become a volunteer Tree Warden (opens new window) tree warden website. You don't need any experience or prior knowledge of trees as all training will be provided and is accredited by The Tree Council.

Tree wardens can help to:

survey existing trees
identify new places to plant trees and local landowners who are keen to plant
apply for funding for tree, hedgerow and woodland planting in your community

Download the application form (OpenDocument text format) [118KB] (opens new window) or contact GAPS@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) to register your interest.

How do you report an issue within your Town or Parish?

You can log issues with Trees, Highways and Public Rights of Way online at MyWilts online reporting.

If there has been a planning breach who should this be reported to?

You may wish to report trees that have not been planted according to BS8545 or were part of a planning condition and have not been planted (note the developer may be waiting for the next planting season). Report a matter to Planning Enforcement.

If developers plant trees as required by their planning application - is there any obligation on the maintenance and ensuring their survival for a given number of years?

Yes generally 5 years as covered by Wiltshire Council Standard Planning Condition WC2.

Where is information on Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) found?

The mapping layer showing the current TPOs is on the planning mapping tool can be found on Wiltshire Planning Explorer (opens new window). Click on Planning layers/Tree Preservation Orders to display trees or areas with TPOs.

Who administers TPOs?

Tree officers in the Planning Department at Wiltshire Council deal with TPOs. Contact: Planningtrees@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Who is the point of contact for trees on Wiltshire Council owned land?

If you have an enquiry about a tree or trees on Wiltshire Council owned land, please contact the Rights of Way & Countryside Team by email on countryside@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

If a community group wants to plant trees on Wiltshire Council land how should they go about it?

It is recommended that the respective town or parish council become the applicant for tree planting. Contact GAPS@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for more information.

Where can Ancient (or veteran) trees be recorded?

If you are aware of an ancient tree that you think may not have been recorded it can be registered at Woodland Trust: Ancient Tree Inventory (opens new window).

Are there any apps to help with tree identification?

Woodland Trust: Identify trees with our Tree ID app (opens new window)

From a photo Pl@ntNet (opens new window)

LeafSnap: Plant Identification & Care (opens new window)

Can you complain to the council about high hedges?

Find more information on GOV.UK High hedges: complaining to the council (opens new window).

Coronation Living Heritage Orchard fund

Wiltshire Council is delighted to have received a £50,000 grant to fund the planting of community orchards between now and March 2025. This money has been made available through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund and DEFRA's £758m Nature for Climate Fund which support the development of community orchards to commemorate the King's coronation.

The Coronation Living Heritage Orchard (CLHO) fund is now open for applications. Please read the application guidance carefully before submitting your application and budget forms. The GAPS team would be delighted to assist you in helping you choose the right trees and protection, and may be able to link you up with a volunteer tree warden in your area to support your project.

The orchards can be situated anywhere where there is public access, including on private land. Application forms and guidance can be found below; please contact GAPS@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) to see details of the bespoke monolith, ask any questions and to submit your application. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2024.

CLHO application form (OpenDocument text format) [344KB] (opens new window)

CLHO application guidance (OpenDocument text format) [373KB] (opens new window)

CLHO budget form (OpenDocument text format) [301KB] (opens new window)