A new grant opened on 10 November aimed at encouraging planting of new large-scale multipurpose woodlands across the country. This will help to meet Government's future carbon targets and deliver a wide range of other benefits including increased recreation, biodiversity, improved water quality, prevention of soil erosion, enhanced flood protection and producing timber and wood fuel.

The fund is part of a package of grants available with dedicated advice and support available from the Forestry Commission that aims to encourage more private sector investment in large scale woodland creation. The Woodland Carbon Fund is a Government-only (i.e. it is not co-financed by the European Union's Rural Development Programme) funded scheme.

The scheme is open to landowners, eligible farmers, local authorities, community forests and others. Multiple ownerships can apply for one scheme.  Maximum grants available will range between £6,800 and £8,500 per hectare depending on its location, with the higher rate available where there is an access need and permissive access is granted. Discretionary footpath access payments will also be available.

The applicant will need to have a woodland creation design plan that complies with UK Forest Standards and have clearance to plant under EIA Regulations. Support for such preparatory work is available through the Woodland Creation Planning Grant. 

More details about the Woodland Carbon Fund, eligibility and the application forms and guidance are available on our website www.forestry.gov.uk/england-wcf.

Creating New Woodland in South West England

To tie in with the launch of the new Woodland Carbon Fund, the Forestry Commission are running a free Woodland Creation event in Cullompton, Devon, on Wednesday 14 December. This event will also cover the Woodland Carbon Code and support for woodland creation through Countryside Stewardship, as well as more advice on woodland creation design planning. This will be a great opportunity to discuss your ideas with Forest Services staff.

Booking for the event is essential and you can book your place using Eventbrite. The event will be held at Cullompton Community Centre between 9.30am and 3.30pm.