Countryside Stewardship Schemes for Woodland Creation

For landowners and managers in England, the Countryside Stewardship (CS) scheme offers valuable financial support for projects that enhance the environment, including woodland creation. These grants are designed to help restore biodiversity, improve water quality, and increase resilience to climate change, while also supporting long-term land management goals. In particular, the Higher Tier and Mid Tier schemes provide targeted funding for woodland creation and management, making them essential tools for those looking to expand or improve woodlands on their land.

This article explores the key aspects of the Countryside Stewardship scheme, focusing on how it supports woodland creation and the differences between the Mid and Higher Tier grants.

Overview of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme

The Countryside Stewardship scheme is a government initiative designed to encourage sustainable land management and environmental improvements. It provides financial incentives to landowners, farmers, and managers for a range of projects, including woodland creation, habitat restoration, and water management.

The scheme is divided into different tiers, with the Mid Tier and Higher Tier being the most relevant for woodland creation. These grants aim to support landowners in creating woodlands that not only benefit the environment but also integrate well with existing agricultural or land management practices.

Key Objectives of Countryside Stewardship:

• Biodiversity Enhancement: Promoting the planting of native species to improve wildlife habitats and connect ecosystems.
• Water Quality Improvement: Using woodlands to reduce soil erosion, manage water runoff, and improve the health of local water bodies.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Increasing tree cover to capture carbon and reduce the impacts of extreme weather on farmland and landscapes​​.

How These Grants Complement Existing Land Management Practices

One of the key benefits of the Countryside Stewardship scheme is that it allows woodland creation projects to be integrated with existing land management practices. Whether you're a farmer looking to balance crop production with environmental stewardship or a landowner managing a rural estate, these grants are flexible enough to complement your current operations while contributing to environmental goals.

Agroforestry and Farm Management

For farmers, woodland creation can enhance the productivity of the land while also delivering ecological benefits. By establishing woodlands alongside fields or grazing areas, you can:

• Shelter livestock: Trees provide windbreaks and shade for animals, improving their welfare and productivity.
• Improve soil health: Trees prevent soil erosion and enrich the soil with organic matter, which can benefit adjacent crops.
• Diversify income: Woodland creation opens opportunities for income from timber, fuelwood, and potentially carbon credits, offering an additional revenue stream alongside traditional farming practices​.

Estate and Habitat Management

For landowners managing estates, integrating woodland creation through Countryside Stewardship grants can enhance biodiversity and landscape aesthetics. Woodlands can provide corridors for wildlife, improve scenic value, and make the land more resilient to climate challenges. Moreover, well-managed woodlands can also boost property value through improved environmental quality and aesthetic appeal.

Mid Tier vs. Higher Tier: Supporting Woodland Projects

The Countryside Stewardship scheme offers two main tiers that support woodland creation: Mid Tier and Higher Tier. Each tier serves different types of projects, with distinct levels of funding, management requirements, and project complexity.

Mid Tier Grants

The Mid Tier scheme is designed for straightforward projects that offer environmental benefits but do not require the intensive management or complexity of Higher Tier agreements. Mid Tier grants are ideal for smaller woodland creation projects or landowners looking to enhance their land without extensive commitments.

Key Features of Mid Tier Grants:

• Simpler application process: Mid Tier grants are easier to apply for, making them accessible to landowners with smaller-scale projects.
• Focus on smaller projects: These grants are well-suited for landowners looking to create woodlands on smaller plots or integrate tree planting into farming practices.
• Annual payments: Mid Tier provides payments for establishing the woodland and additional maintenance payments to ensure the long-term success of the project.

Mid Tier is ideal for farmers and landowners who want to combine woodland creation with ongoing agricultural activities, offering flexibility in land use while still contributing to biodiversity and water management goals​.

Higher Tier Grants

The Higher Tier scheme is more complex and is aimed at projects that require a higher level of management and deliver more significant environmental outcomes. Higher Tier grants are often used for large-scale woodland creation projects or those located in areas of environmental importance, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Key Features of Higher Tier Grants:

• Targeted at larger or more sensitive areas: Higher Tier grants support large woodland projects or those in areas that are critical for biodiversity, such as protected habitats or important water catchments.
• More intensive management: Projects under the Higher Tier typically require detailed management plans and may involve collaboration with environmental agencies to ensure the best outcomes for biodiversity and conservation.
• Long-term environmental focus: Higher Tier grants are designed for projects that will have a lasting impact on the environment, such as habitat restoration, complex woodland ecosystems, or flood management initiatives​.

Eligibility and Payment Rates

To be eligible for Countryside Stewardship grants, landowners must ensure their projects meet certain environmental goals and are located within England. The application process includes submitting detailed plans for the woodland creation project, including maps, species selection, and management plans that align with the UK's Forestry Standard (UKFS).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Location: The land must be in England, and the project must align with the scheme’s environmental goals.
• Land management: Applicants must have control over the land for the duration of the agreement, ensuring the woodland can be managed long-term.
• Environmental focus: Projects should aim to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, reduce carbon emissions, or protect sensitive habitats.

Payment Rates:

• Mid Tier grants provide capital payments for tree planting, ground preparation, and protection measures like fencing. Annual payments are available to support ongoing maintenance.
• Higher Tier grants offer more substantial payments, covering not only establishment costs but also management activities such as species monitoring, habitat restoration, and additional conservation efforts​​.

Key Considerations for Landowners

When applying for Countryside Stewardship grants, landowners should consider the long-term management requirements and the type of environmental benefits they aim to achieve. Here are some key considerations:

• Project size and complexity: Mid Tier grants are ideal for smaller, less complex projects, while Higher Tier grants are suited for larger, more intricate woodland creation initiatives.
• Environmental goals: Align your project with the scheme’s focus on biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
• Long-term commitment: Woodland creation through Countryside Stewardship requires a commitment to managing the woodland for many years, ensuring its sustainability and environmental impact over time.

The Countryside Stewardship scheme is an excellent opportunity for landowners and farmers to access financial support for woodland creation while contributing to the UK’s environmental and sustainability goals. With flexible options through both the Mid Tier and Higher Tier grants, the scheme allows landowners to integrate woodland creation into existing land management practices and achieve significant environmental benefits.

By understanding the differences between these tiers and aligning your project goals with the grant’s objectives, you can enhance your land’s biodiversity, improve water management, and create resilient woodlands that benefit both the environment and your long-term land management plans.

‍