Funding improvements to the biggest land management schemes for forestry have been unveiled by the government for farmers and landowners in England to grow more trees. The schemes include the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Countryside Stewardship (CS).
The changes are designed to help drive tree planting rates across the country and to support farmers and landowners to grow more trees. The government has set a target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050.
As part of the changes, forestry funding for land managers will rise and there will be an increase in maintenance payments from 10 years to 15 years. Land managers will now be paid £5,250 per hectare over the 15-year maintenance period, giving an extra £1,750 per hectare. This additional five years of payments will support land managers with the longer-term activities to maintain their new woodland, helping ensure the trees are cared for and become fully established.
An extended Capital Window from two to three years has also been announced, to ensure farmers have two whole planting seasons to deliver their scheme, regardless of the start date of their agreement. This will provide additional flexibility to plan work, securing trees and materials, and responding to weather conditions if it prevents planting from going ahead as planned.
The changes give land managers two seasons to complete the planting and give longer term financial support to manage woodlands in the important early years of establishment. This will play an essential part in creating resilient forests and woodlands which improve our natural environment, help meet net zero carbon emissions, and provide a sustainable source of home-grown timber.
For more information and to apply, go to: England Woodland Creation Offer – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)