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On
28th June 2004 the Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) was closed to new
applicants. Existing agreements will be honoured and grant claims
and amendments can be made on current contracts. If you have any
outstanding claims or unsigned contracts please contact the Forestry
Commission on 01606 889912.
In
July 2005 the new England Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) is planned
to be launched. Full details are yet to be confirmed but it is likely
that the following elements will be included.
Woodland
Creation
- Woodland
Creation Grant: there will be a basic planting grant with an additional
£500 per hectare available for schemes within Red Rose Forest
and a further £500 per hectare available for schemes with
public access provision. This feature replaces the old Community
Forest Premium and Better Land Contribution.
- Farm
Woodland Payment: annual payments available in addition to Woodland
Creation Grant where agricultural land is being converted to woodland.
- Woodland
Improvement Grant: this grant can be combined with Woodland Creation
Grant for the installation and upkeep of public access facilities
in newly planted woodlands. This grant replaces the old
Woodland
Management
- Woodland
Management Planning Grant: to support the preparation of UKWAS
compliant management plans that encourage sustainable work. Available
for woodland properties larger than 3ha. Woodlands less than 30ha
will receive a flat rate of £300 per plan. A management
plan template and guidance notes are available for use
- Woodland
Assessment Grant: for the gathering of accurate information to
enable specific management decisions and to closely support the
Woodland Management Planning Grant.
- Woodland
Improvement Grant: to support woodland management activities.
Contributions will be made to capital investments and supporting
investments.
- Woodland
Management Grant: for basic woodland management work. This component
of the new EWGS replaces the former Annual Management Grant. The
proposed annual payments are £30 per hectare over 5 years.
- Woodland
Regeneration Grant: for restocking and regeneration work. Grants
will be based on agreed costs over a 5 year period.
- Transitional
arrangements: in the period between the closure of the WGS and
the opening of the new EWGS, Woodland Management Planning Grants
and Woodland Assessment Grants can be applied for.
- For
further information please email our Woodlands Officer Andy Long.
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