The Joint Botanical Tours Grant
Supporting the Next Generation of Alpine Plant Enthusiasts
Experiencing plants in their natural habitats can be an important source of inspiration, knowledge and practical understanding. For young people interested in botany and horticulture, opportunities to explore mountain environments can be particularly valuable. However, the cost of participating in international botanical excursions can make such experiences difficult to access. The Joint Botanical Tours Grant is an initiative of Plants Above Treeline (PAT), created to help young botanical enthusiasts take part in selected Joint Botanical Tours excursions.
Our ambition is to encourage the next generation of botanists, horticulturists and alpine plant enthusiasts by making valuable botanical field experiences more accessible.
The Purpose of the Grant
The JBT Grant aims to support young people who demonstrate a genuine interest in alpine plants, their natural habitats, cultivation or conservation.
Through participation in botanical field excursions, grant recipients may have opportunities to:
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Explore alpine and subalpine plants in their natural environments.
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Develop practical knowledge of plant ecology, habitats and adaptations.
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Learn from experienced botanists, horticulturists and fellow enthusiasts.
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Gain experience in botanical observation, identification and documentation.
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Build connections with an international community of people who share their botanical interests.
We believe that direct experience in the field can inspire further learning, personal development and a lasting interest in alpine botany.
Who Can Apply?
The JBT Grant is intended for young botanical enthusiasts aged 18–30.
Applicants may include students, young horticulturists, aspiring botanists and other individuals with a genuine interest in alpine plants and their natural environments.
Formal botanical qualifications are not necessarily required. Enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn are important qualities.
Applicants must be members of Plants Above Treeline. Membership is currently free.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply to individual grant opportunities.
What Does the Grant Cover?
Depending on available funding and the arrangements for each excursion, the JBT Grant may contribute towards selected expenses at the destination, including:
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Accommodation during the botanical excursion.
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Meals included in the excursion arrangements.
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Local transportation associated with the botanical programme.
The grant is intended to reduce the financial barriers to participation.
International travel to and from the destination is not covered. Applicants must arrange and finance this themselves.
The amount and extent of support will be specified for each grant opportunity.
Availability & Applications
The JBT Grant is dependent on donations, contributions and other funding available to Plants Above Treeline.
Consequently, grants may only be offered for selected excursions, and funding cannot be guaranteed for every tour or every applicant.
When grant opportunities become available, we will publish information about:
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The excursion for which support is available.
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Eligibility and selection criteria.
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The financial assistance offered.
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Application procedures and deadlines.
Grant applications will be assessed separately from ordinary tour registrations. Receiving a grant does not remove any participation requirements associated with the excursion. Application details will be announced when funding becomes available.
Help Us Create Opportunities
The JBT Grant reflects PAT's commitment to encouraging botanical learning and supporting the next generation of alpine plant enthusiasts. As a non-profit association, we depend on voluntary contributions and external support to develop initiatives such as this.
Contributions to the JBT Grant can help create opportunities for young people to gain firsthand experience of alpine plants and their remarkable natural habitats.
Individuals and organisations interested in supporting the initiative are welcome to contact us.
Stay Informed
Interested in future JBT Grant opportunities?
Become a member of Plants Above Treeline to follow our activities and receive information about upcoming botanical excursions and grant opportunities as they are announced.
Join PAT – Membership is Free