Future Trees Trust Awarded National Lottery Funding for Core Operating Costs
Future Trees Trust has received £14,136 from The National Lottery Community Fund, through the Awards for All England – Environment programme. This grant, made possible by National Lottery players, will support the Trust’s core operating costs and strengthen its ability to continue delivering long‑term scientific research into broadleaved tree improvement.
What the Funding Supports
Core operating costs are essential for maintaining the infrastructure that allows Future Trees Trust to carry out high‑quality research. These costs include staff time, administration, governance, facilities, research support, and the coordination necessary to deliver scientific programmes year after year. This National Lottery funding helps ensure these core functions remain stable, so the Trust can continue providing long‑term environmental value.
John McLaughlin CEO of Future Trees Trust says “Grants such as these especially for core services make such a difference to small charities such as Future trees Trust. It helps us ensure the necessary support functions are in place to help deliver the charity objectives.’
Our Mission: Improving the Future of Broadleaved Trees
Future Trees Trust exists to develop more resilient, productive, and genetically diverse broadleaved trees for the UK’s future forests. Our work focuses on improving species such as oak, ash, wild cherry, sweet chestnut, birch, sycamore, beech, hornbeam and wild service through:
- Long‑term breeding and progeny trials
- Establishment and management of clonal and seedling seed orchards
- Plus‑tree selection and genotyping
- Demonstration of gains from improved material
- Conservation of forest genetic resources
The Trust’s wider mission is to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s woodlands by enhancing biodiversity, disease tolerance, adaptability to climate change, and long‑term productivity.
Why Supporting Core Costs Matters
Long‑term scientific work requires continuity, expertise, and stable organisational capacity. Core funding helps Future Trees Trust:
- Maintain research woodlands and seed orchards
- Support researchers and fieldwork
- Manage datasets and monitor genetic trials
- Produce improved seed and planting material for UK nurseries
- Share evidence and best practice with forestry professionals
These foundational activities ensure that improved broadleaved material can reach nurseries, landowners, and woodland managers across the UK.
Thank You to The National Lottery Community Fund
Future Trees Trust extends its thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who plays The National Lottery. Their support helps community‑focused organisations continue delivering important work that supports people, nature and long‑term environmental resilience.
