NHS Forest Tree Bundles – Eligibility FAQ

NHS Forest principally supplies tree bundles for use in healthcare settings (such as hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries, care homes) or healthcare linked properties (such as administrative offices, training centres or staff accommodation) that are owned and operated by NHS service providers.

Often the sites we work with are managed facilities operating as part of an NHS trust / health board (including mental health, ambulance and community health service providers). However, independent facilities that deliver NHS services under contract can apply for free trees if a significant proportion of patients are NHS funded and the onsite green space is routinely accessible by NHS patients and / or staff.

NHS Forest will consider applications for planting on publicly accessible land that is either immediately adjacent to or accessible from an adjacent NHS site. We would welcome expressions of interest in relation to community green spaces that are formally linked to an NHS entity and being utilised to promote health and wellbeing (e.g. for green social prescribing or outdoor therapy).

To ensure the protection and longevity of the trees, NHS sites must have long-term oversight of the land on which the trees are being planted. If the land is managed on a leasehold basis, the NHS site must have tenure for at least the next 30 years and the consent of the landowner.

The NHS site is responsible for ensuring that the land where the trees will be planted is not scheduled for development that would impinge on the trees within the next 10 years.

We can currently deliver trees to sites located within England, Wales and Scotland. Post-Brexit trade regulations prohibits NHS Forest from supplying tree bundles to sites in Northern Ireland at present. We will keep this under review and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The planting area should be large enough to accommodate all of the trees supplied with adequate space for them to develop and establish; for areas of tree cover we recommend minimum average spacings of 2 metres between each stem.

As a general rule it is a bad idea to plant trees any closer than a distance equivalent to the mature height of the tree from any buildings or infrastructure, and we would suggest an absolute minimum distance from buildings of 5 metres regardless of species.

If you are unsure about the number of trees for your site, why not check out our guide to planting areas on the NHS Forest website.

No, NHS Forest trees must be planted directly in the ground in such a way that their roots can establish without restriction. Any kind of container growing (in pots, raised beds, tree pits etc.) may stop the trees from developing properly. We want the trees to thrive and become part of the local eco-system.

All trees must be planted at their final permanent location as soon as is practicable upon receipt; stock should not be ‘grown on’ for replanting in another location, planted and subsequently relocated, or left unplanted beyond the end of the season in which it is supplied. We will be flexible around delivery dates to ensure that your order arrives in good time for any planting events and the trees can be ground planted promptly while they are still dormant.

Planning consent is generally not required for small-scale planting, although we ask that all applicants consult the relevant site management teams within their organisation to verify that tree planting will be possible and that you have their authorisation to request and plant trees on behalf of your site. It is also essential to obtain the permission of the landowner prior to planting on leasehold sites.

There are some land types / categories that are not appropriate for planting. NHS Forest will assess all applications, but sites are responsible for verifying suitability, excluding areas with protected landscape features, through services, public rights of way, extant wayleave agreements, subsurface drains, protected lines of sight and any other impediments to planting that may not be apparent remotely.

No, we do not offer NHS Forest trees as part of carbon offsetting initiatives. Read more about this on the NHS Forest website.

There is no one type of land suitable for planting trees, but most NHS Forest bundle recipients plant on outdoor amenity land or other areas of open improved grassland. Planted areas will need sufficient soil depth for root development (we recommend at least 60 cm of top and subsoil) and for lateral root spread as trees establish. Soil should have adequate drainage to avoid persistent waterlogging.

If planting in areas with thick grass or surface vegetation, it will be necessary to clear and maintain an area approximately one-metre diameter around each tree to avoid competition for light and water. Trees require full sunlight for optimal growth, with at least six hours of direct sun daily and all-day sun often leading to better form and growth.

The first few years are the most important for ensuring long-term survival of young trees. It is during this establishment period that you will need to spend the most time supporting tree growth and health through routine maintenance such as weeding, mulching, watering as required. Check out our aftercare guide.

We provide mulch materials to reduce weeds over the early growing seasons, and for most recipients the cost and time associated with establishing trees is fairly minimal.

We also encourage tree recipients to involve staff, patients, community groups and volunteers. This helps establish ownership and engagement with the trees on site and supports long-term planting outcomes. Often the people who help with planting the trees go on to assist with weeding and other maintenance jobs.