Grant update: Woodland Creation grants and Countryside Stewardship opens for applications.

Last year (2021) the Forestry Commission launched the new England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).  This is a grant scheme to support the planting of new woodland and includes generous new uplift payments if the woodland has additional benefits for biodiversity, flood mitigation or public access.   In certain situations these payments can be stacked making the grant a very attractive proposition for land owners looking to consider new woodland establishment. 

In January 2022 the Forestry Commission also announced that the maintenance payments for new woodlands planted with EWCO funding has gone up from £200 to £300 per hectare (per year for 10 years after planting).  This also helps to secure the successful establishment of the trees and all the natural benefits that come from them.

Support through EWCO is only going to be available for a limited time as a new grant scheme will take its place.  Therefore if you are interested in tree planting now is a good time to act. 

Why not look at our CASE STUDY of a woodland creation project funded by EWCO

Woodland Management Grants

Countryside Stewardship woodland management and capital options opened for applications on 8 February.  This year includes additional payments for deer and squirrel management,  public access, PAWs restoration and veteran tree work.   The deadline for requesting an application pack is 31 March and applications must be submitted by 29 April so now is the time to act.   We recommend applying as early as possible in this process and can help with this and any ongoing commitments of your schemes.  

Countryside Stewardship also offer support for woodland management plans,  rhododendron removal,  woodland infrastructure, and tree health.