THOUSANDS of native trees should be rooted across the Borders thanks to a new initiative.

The Borders Tree Grant Scheme, a joint effort by Tweed Forum and the Borders Forest Trust, aims to encourage the planting during the coming autumn/winter season.

Farmers, landowners and non-profit organisations, such as schools and charities, can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to plant individual or small clumps of trees in the countryside.  

A Tweed Forum spokesperson said: “The trees will enhance the landscape for local communities, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

“They can also provide shelter for livestock with their roots helping to reduce soil erosion and slow floodwaters.  

“If planted beside watercourses, trees can help to stabilise riverbanks, provide much-needed shade for young salmon and reduce levels of sediment and pollutants entering the river system.”

Hedgerow trees, parkland trees, tree lines, copses, riverside trees and orchards are all eligible for potential funding.

The scheme is funded by Scottish Forestry, Woodland Trust Scotland and Scottish Borders Council.

Derek Robeson, Tweed Forum conservation manager, said: “If enough individual farmers, landowners and local groups plant a few trees as part of this Borders Tree Grant Scheme, by this time next year their combined efforts will have added around 10,000 new native trees to our landscape.

“This will play a significant role in improving our environment and tackling the climate change and biodiversity crises and will also add to the beauty of the Borders countryside for communities to enjoy.

“We’re looking forward to receiving applications from right across the region.”

Hannah Cockett, native woodland advisor at Borders Forest Trust, said: “The Borders Tree Grant Scheme is an accessible initiative that makes planting trees simple for a wide variety of landowners.

“The Scottish Borders has one of the lowest percentages of native tree cover compared to total land area of any Scottish region and a combined effort from landowners could change this.  

“Planting the right trees in the right place not only helps lock up carbon, but can also secure our soils, mitigate flood risk and provide essential habitat for wildlife whilst improving our landscapes.”

For further details, contact Tweed Forum on 01896 849723 or Borders Forest Trust on 07399 275973.