As part of the construction of HS2 seven million new trees are to be planted from London to the West Midlands.
A separate fund of £5 million is available to support the restoration of existing ancient woodland sites and the creation of new woodland. The Forestry Commission has launched the first phase of the fund with £1million released for applications from January 2018.
The fund targets land within 25 miles of HS2 - click on the 25-mile buffer map below to check if your land is eligible.
Land marginally outside of the buffer may also be considered for this new funding (discretionary) if proposals are going to make significant positive improvement to the environment.
What is funded?
- Native Woodland Creation - funding of up to £8,500 per (gross) hectare, plus maintenance payments of £200 per hectare, per year for 10 years paid at years 5 and 10.
- PAWS Restoration - up to £4,000 per (net) hectare of planting, with additional payments for protection measures such as guards, fences and gates.
- Capital Items - a range of items are available within the above capped rates including fencing, gates, deer control apparatus and invasive species control. Each capital item has been assigned a higher standard cost in comparison to Countryside Stewardship. 100% of standard costs paid.
If you have any queries or want Butler Sherborn to assist please call Georgina Bush or Jonathan Malings 01285 883740.
