Defra and the Forestry Commission have announced substantial funding enhancements for two major forestry land management schemes - the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Countryside Stewardship (CS). These changes aim to boost tree planting rates across the country and provide support for farmers and landowners in expanding their tree cover.
Key Changes
Increased Funding Support
Funding for land managers and farmers will be augmented, facilitating the creation of resilient and well-managed woodlands.
Extended Maintenance Payments
Maintenance Payments will now cover a longer period, increasing from 10 to 15 years. This additional five years of support will assist land managers in maintaining their newly established woodlands, ensuring the trees receive the care needed for full establishment.
Extended Capital Window
The Capital Window for EWCO will be extended from two to three years. This extension allows for greater flexibility in planning capital activities, securing trees and materials, and adapting to weather conditions that may affect planting schedules.
Improving Woodland Creation
These changes follow recent improvements aimed at streamlining the woodland creation process based on customer and stakeholder feedback. Ministerial consultation reforms have been introduced to reduce complexity and speed up the application process. Additionally, enhancements to EWCO applications, including a new and improved application form, have been made, with further changes in the pipeline based on sector feedback.
Contributing to Environmental Goals
The government has set ambitious targets to increase tree canopy and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. These recent changes will accelerate tree planting efforts, playing a crucial role in halting the decline of nature by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Tree planting will also have a positive impact on broader priorities, including improving water quality, reducing flooding, creating green jobs, and enhancing the connection between people and nature.
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