Trees, woodlands and forestry - Woodland Creation Planning Grant

The Trees, Woodlands and Forestry - Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) in the UK provides funding to support the development of woodland creation design plans compliant with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS).

Objectives:

• To fund the production of a woodland creation design plan that identifies constraints and opportunities for planting.
• To ensure proposals consider biodiversity, landscape, water, historic environment, and local stakeholder input.
• To facilitate quicker progress through Environmental Impact Assessment and future planting grant funding.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Landowners, land managers, and public bodies (excluding Forestry England, Crown bodies, and Non-Departmental Public Bodies).
• Applicants planning to create new woodland in England, with a minimum total size of 5 hectares.
• Applicants do not need to own the land but must have landowner consent.

Funding Details:

• Up to £30,500 per project.
• Stage 1: £1,500 for a desk-based assessment of site constraints and opportunities.
• Stage 2: £150 per hectare (minus the Stage 1 payment) for completing the full woodland creation design plan.
• Minimum Stage 2 payment of £500 for sites under 10 hectares.
• Supplementary payments for specialist surveys if needed.
• Designed open space can be included up to 20% of the total area for funding.

Application Process:

• Applications accepted year-round until 31 March 2026 (current funding confirmation).
• Submit a completed application form by email with landowner consent if applicable.
• Forestry Commission aims to respond within 15 working days.
• A signed agreement is required before starting work.
• The design plan must include maps and plans such as site context, site appraisal, design concept, and final design.

Key Features:

• Supports landscape-scale applications across multiple land holdings.
• Requires compliance with UK Forestry Standard.
• Encourages stakeholder engagement with provided guidance.
• Not available if the site is already under other specific forestry grants or Environmental Impact Assessment enquiries.

This grant helps land managers and public bodies plan woodland creation effectively, ensuring environmental and community considerations are integrated into the design process.