The Forestry Commission has launched the English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) a new woodland creation grant, with hopes to increase the levels of woodland creation across England.
With a budget of £15.9 million available in its first year, the grant scheme offers enhanced payment rates in comparison to the previous woodland creation scheme, administered through Rural Payments. Not only has the standard capital cost increased but well designed woodlands that offer other environmental benefits will seek “additional contribution” funding. A summary of the common rates are as follows:
Tree £1.60 each
Shelter £2.00 each
Deer fence £9.00/m
Rabbit netting £3.12/m
Additional contributions:
- Nature and species recovery – between £1,100/ha to £2,800/ha available where woodland creation will help woodland-dependent priority species to recover;
- Tree planting near watercourses and rivers (riparian buffers) – £1,600/ha available where the creation of native broadleaved woodland along water courses will improve river habitats;
- Reduced flood risk – £500/ha available where woodland creation can help reduce the risk of flooding;
- Improved public access – £2,200/ha available where woodland creation will provide long-term permissive access to the public to enjoy
- Close to settlements – £500/ha available where woodland creation will provide social and environmental benefits by being close to people;
- Improved water quality – £400/ha available for woodlands that clean our water by reducing pollutants through land use change by intercepting pollution and sediment before it reaches watercourses.
The scheme is competitive and money is allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Application criteria:
- 1 ha is the minimum application size
- The land must be registered on the Rural Land Registry
- No other active grant funding on the proposed planting land
If you are interested in creating new woodlands on your property please get in contact with us to discuss a grant for woodland management or creation.