Win £5,000 and expert mentoring for tree and nature ideas

A new challenge for Young Farmers with a chance to win £5,000 and a year of expert mentoring

NFYFC has teamed up with the Woodland Trust to support young people with fresh ideas for farming alongside trees and nature. If you're aged 16-25, this is a chance to get your idea funded, guided and off the ground.

Who can enter

This category of the Woodland Trust's Igniting Innovation challenge is open to young farmers, agricultural students, early-career land managers, and anyone interested in nature-friendly farming, as long as you're based in England or Wales. You don't need any tree or woodland expertise, as the Woodland Trust will guide you through the process.

What's on offer

Two winning entries, either individuals or groups of up to four, will each receive £5,000
A year of mentoring from experts
Hands-on industry experience, plus the chance to meet like-minded people and build your leadership skills.

Need inspiration?

Ideas don't have to fit a set mould, but the judges are especially interested in projects that:

Show how trees and nature can open new opportunities on farms, from extra income to biodiversity gains;
Put more trees on farms in ways that improve productivity and sustainability;
Help other farmers and rural communities understand and get behind agroforestry and nature-friendly farming.

How ideas are judged

Each entry is scored on five things:

Innovation: Is your approach original and creative?

Impact: Does it fit the Woodland Trust's goals, and what difference will it make for woods, trees, wildlife and people?

Feasibility: Could you deliver it within a year? Big ambitions are welcome, but the plan needs to be realistic.

Research: What problem are you tackling, and what evidence backs your idea up?

Commitment: What drives you to do this, and what will keep you going?

How to apply

Applications close at 9am on 31 January 2027 and are made through the Woodland Trust's online form. Read their FAQs first for tips on putting together a strong entry.

Apply on the Woodland Trust website.

After you apply

Entries are scored against the criteria above. Shortlisted applicants receive judges' feedback by email and are invited to an online interview, where you'll explain how you've developed your idea in response. Successful applicants then join the new cohort and begin onboarding.

Key dates

Applications close: 9am, 31 January 2027

Feedback and interview invitations by email: 5pm, 15 February 2027

Interviews: 1-4 March 2027

Results shared: 5pm, 15 March 2027

Onboarding and training: April 2027 (we’ll organise a date that works for you!)

Connections and networking event: summer 2028 (date TBC)

Last year's winners

Read more about the 2025 winners and watch a video to find out more about last year's entries.