Woodland grants - do you know what's available?

Richard Edwards, Forestry Commision woodland officer writes:

As many CLA members will know, the Forestry Commission has provided grant support for the planting and management of woodlands since it was established just after the First World War. The present grant scheme is called 'The English Woodland Grant Scheme' (EWGS) and is made up of a number of separate components. The grants are a contribution towards the costs of carrying out agreed works within woodlands.

A brief introduction to our grants is below but for further information please visit our website at: www.forestry.gov.uk/southeastengland.

Woodland Planning (WPG) and Assessment (WAG) Grants

The key to effective and sustainable woodland management is the preparation of a management plan. In recognition of this important first step in woodland management, grant support is available for the production of a woodland management plan and for any assessments needed to inform the detail of the plan, this is a great chance to engage with a professional forestry agent or contractor. 

One planning grant is available per property.  For woodlands between 3 and 50 hectares the grant support available is £1000.  For larger areas of woodland additional rates are available on a per hectare basis.

Woodland Regeneration grant (WRG)

The replanting or regeneration of felled woodlands can be aided through this grant scheme.  The level of grant aid available is dependent on the type of woodland that has been felled and the type of trees that are being replanted.  On the whole there is more grant aid for planting native broadleaf species.

Woodland Improvement grants  (WIG)

This grant support is available for woodland management operations that benefit the biodiversity or public access value of the woodland.  The level of grant support is specific to the work that is carried out and is set by a list of agreed "standard costs."

In most situations the grant support will provide 50% of the standard cost for each operation.  In the South East region 80% contributions are available for suitable biodiversity related management works that are carried out in SSSIs and specific landscape areas such as the West Weald.  There are also wide ranging target areas (mostly close to large towns) where 80% contributions are available for works that enhance the quality of public access.

Grant aid is available through WIGs to support infrastructure improvements within woodlands that will provide long-term benefits to biodiversity.  The investment in access tracks and roads will also enable long term sustainable management of the woodlands.

Woodland Management Grant (WMG)

The purpose of this grant is to contribute towards the costs of agreed annual maintenance operations such as ride management, open ground management or deer control.  The WMG is paid at a rate of £30 per hectare per year for 5 years and this can be paid in conjunction with other EWGS grants.

Woodland Creation Grant (WCG)

A contribution towards the creation of new woodland areas is available through this scheme with additional money being available in priority areas.  For most woodland creation the grant rate is £1800 per hectare for broadleaf planting and £1200 per hectare for conifer.  Additional contributions are available but these are dependent on the location of the woodland and the proposed use of the woodland.

Further grant aid is available through Farm Woodland Payments (FWPs) where the land has been taken out of agricultural production as compensation for loss of agricultural income.  The grant rules have recently changed meaning that new WCG schemes eligible for FWPs can receive the FWPs as well as the Single Payment Scheme payments for the same area of land.

Just a reminder

When planning tree felling or woodland management activities the requirement for felling licence should be considered as well as the legislation regarding European Protected Species such as dormice and bats, advice and guidance on both subjects is available through the Forestry Commission.

There are also other grants available through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for capital investments that add value to agricultural and forestry products and improve the economic value of forests.  RDPE support is also available for training within the forestry and agricultural sector, for advice about any of these grants please contact the Forestry Commission via the contact details below.

Forestry Commission Contact details

Woodland officers are on hand to offer advice on woodland management, felling licence information and grant scheme information, the contact details for the South East regional office are:

Forestry Commission

Alice Holt

Farnham

Wrecclesham

GU10 4LF

Tel: 01420 23337

For email enquiries please email:

southeast.fce@forestry.gov.uk