Planting the right trees in the right places, coupled with financial support and expert advice, can bring far-reaching benefits to your land, business and community:

  • Generate income
  • Protect livestock
  • Manage soil and nutrient losses
  • Capture carbon and offset emissions
  • Reduce erosion
  • Cut farm pollution
  • Create natural flood management and improve water quality
  • Boost biodiversity
  • Increase productivity
  • Increase the capital value of your farm

Funding opportunities

Forestry Commission
The England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) grant supports new, diverse woodland creation in areas over 1 hectare, which can be made up of blocks as small as 0.1 hectare.

EWCO offers up to £10,200 per hectare to cover the capital costs of creating woodland. Plus, up to an additional £12,700 in stackable payments when delivering wider benefits to society, nature recovery and the environment.

For proposed woodlands of more than five hectares, there is also a Woodland Creation Planning Grant to support with the design of a UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) compliant woodland.

England’s Community Forests Trees for Climate Fund 
This fund provides expert support and up to 100% flexible and bespoke grant funding for up to 15 years. Open to all landowners within any Community Forest area. In the south west includes Forest of Avon, Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest and Great Western Forest.

Woodland Trust 

The Woodland Trust offers three grants: MOREwoods and MOREhedges covering up to 75% of planting costs for a range of woodland creation, starting from 1.25 acres or 100 metres of new hedging, and Trees for Your Farm, funding up to 100% of costs for bespoke agroforestry schemes.

Speak to your local Woodland Creation Team

The Forestry Commission Land Use Advisers offer a free comprehensive review that provides insights into the opportunities that woodland can offer your business.

The team will carry out research into your local area, visit your site and discuss the plans you have for your business. They’ll highlight opportunities for woodland creation and funding, along with any constraints you’ll need to consider.

For further information on the benefits that woodlands can provide and the grants and support available, visit gov.uk/forestry/tree-planting-overview – or contact your local Woodland Creation Team at SWwoodlandcreation@forestrycommission.gov.uk.