Grants

Two Forestry Commission grants are currently available to encourage woodland creation and management.

The Woodfuel Woodland Improvement Grant (WIG) is a new scheme that aims to increase the supply of wood from undermanaged or inaccessible woodlands in England. The grant can support harvesting for renewable energy purposes or any other wood products, supporting the infrastructure needed to extract wood and work associated with the measuring and marketing of wood. The scheme is now open and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis while funds remain. For more information follow this link . A flyer giving more information can be found here.

The Woodland Creation Grant is currently open with those interested in creating new woodland this autumn/winter encouraged to submit grant applications as soon as possible to guarantee support. Funding remains available for the claim year 2011/12 (for planting that is completed and claimed before 31 March 2012). Funding is also available for the following claim year and beyond. Applications are being accepted for woodland creation planned between now and March 2014. Grant rates start from £700 per hectare, and owners, leaseholders or tenants of land in England may apply. The rules for the Woodland Creation Grant were changed this year based on feedback and the Forestry Commission’s desire to attract an increased amount of woodland creation. Key changes include:

• Wider availability of Additional Contributions up to £2,000/hectare where new woodlands meet national and regional priorities.
• Simpler scoring system so applicants know before applying whether they are likely to receive grant support.
• Greater species flexibility to meet owner objectives and create more resilient woodlands that can adapt to climate change.
• Proposals can be scheduled at any time over the coming three years, and applications are accepted from prospective land owners.

Although there is no fixed deadline for applications this year, interested parties are advised to submit their applications at their earliest convenience. The Forestry Commission recommends submitting applications by the end of October at the latest.

For more information on the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Creation Grant follow this link.