Trees, woodlands and forestry - Woodland Creation Planning Grant

The Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) offers funding for the production of a UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)-compliant woodland creation design plan. The grant supports landowners, land managers, and public bodies in gathering and analyzing information to ensure woodland creation proposals account for biodiversity, landscape, water, historic environment, and local stakeholder considerations. The grant operates in two stages: Stage 1 provides £1,500 for a desk-based exercise to identify constraints and opportunities for the proposed planting site. If potential for woodland creation is confirmed, Stage 2 funding is offered at £150 per hectare (minus the Stage 1 payment) to complete the full Woodland Creation Design Plan Template. Supplementary payments for specialist survey work may be available if identified as necessary during Stage 1. The scheme was re-launched in autumn 2020 to enable more applicants and help proposals move more quickly through the Environmental Impact Assessment process and future planting and establishment grant funding. Applications are accepted year-round with decisions typically provided within 15 working days.