Trees for Life
Trees for Life is a conservation charity dedicated to the regeneration and restoration of the globally unique and native Caledonian Forest in the Highlands of Scotland. Working with over 5,000 volunteers, the charity has planted nearly 2 million trees across 44 tree planting sites.
Rewilding is not simply about planting trees – supporting wildlife which has suffered loss of habitat is also a vital part of Trees for Life work. Some recent achievements include a 50% increase in black grouse, golden eagles nesting for the first time in 40 years at Dundreggan, and introducing over 200 red squirrels across the northwest Highlands.
Trees for Life also works to inspire people of all ages and background to be involved in rewilding to improve wellbeing and to develop new skills. The charity runs conservation weeks for volunteers and traineeships in rewilding and partners with other charities to provide healing to people who have experienced trauma.
The bond offer
This
bond will part-fund the development of a rewilding visitor centre and
accommodation at Dundreggan, a Highland estate acquired by the charity in 2008. The
rewilding centre will educate and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to
be involved in rewilding. It will allow visitors to explore wild landscapes,
discover Gaelic culture and learn about the region’s unique wildlife. Crucially
it will generate an income to support the rewilding work at Dundreggan in the
long term.
IFISA eligible
Trees for Life bonds are eligible to be held in a Triodos Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA). The IFISA is a type of ISA that allows you to hold crowdfunded debt securities such as this bond. As with all ISAs, there are eligibility criteria and you receive interest tax-free. ISA eligibility does not guarantee returns or protect consumers from losing their money.
To invest in Trees for Life’s bonds through a Triodos IFISA, select the ‘Invest through IFISA’ option. This selection will add to your current year IFISA or will open a new IFISA if you haven’t previously opened one.
Transferring an existing ISA
If you want to invest by transferring an existing ISA to a Triodos IFISA you must first request the transfer. You can do this under ‘Account’ once you’ve become a registered user of the platform. Your ISA transfer must be completed first, before you make an application for bonds.
Key terms
Term
9 years, repayable in four equal instalments with the final repayment due on 30 September 2030
Interest
6% gross per year payable 30 September each year (paid net of UK basic rate tax unless held in an IFISA) with the first payment on 30 September 2022. Payment of interest and repayment of capital are not
guaranteed.
Gifting of interest
Although the standard interest rate is 6%, investors will be given the option to select a 0% or 3% rate of interest should they wish to gift part or all of the interest to Trees for Life.
Unsecured
The bonds are unsecured so bondholders will rank equally with Trees for Life’s other unsecured creditors and behind secured and preferential creditors on insolvency.
Transferability
Bonds are transferable but are not listed on any investment exchange which means that bondholders will have to find a willing buyer and agree a purchase price with them, which in practice may not be easy. Investors should be prepared to hold the bonds for their full 9-year term.
Minimum raise
£1,500,000. If less than £1,500,000 is raised, monies will be returned to investors with no accrued interest.
Timetable
Closes on 29 October 2021, unless fully subscribed earlier or offer is extended. Bonds are allotted 15 days after close and investors start to accrue interest from that date.
Capital at risk warning
Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. Investors should read the offer document in full, including the risks section, before deciding whether to invest.
