England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO): How to Secure Funding for Tree Planting Projects

The England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) is a key grant scheme designed to support the establishment of new woodlands across England. It provides significant financial support to landowners, farmers, and organisations looking to create new woodlands for purposes such as biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, and water management. Understanding how to navigate this scheme can ensure that your tree planting project receives the funding it needs to succeed.

This article provides a detailed overview of EWCO, covering eligibility criteria, available funding tiers, and the application process. Whether you’re looking to create a small shelterbelt or establish a large-scale woodland, this guide will help you make the most of the financial support available through the scheme.

What is the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)?

The EWCO, introduced by the Forestry Commission, brings together various funding options to support a wide range of woodland creation projects under a single, streamlined scheme. It replaces earlier funding options like the Woodland Carbon Fund and the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant.

EWCO is designed to increase tree cover and contribute to the government’s environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving water quality. The scheme supports projects of all scales, from small shelterbelts to large, multi-purpose woodlands.

Eligibility Criteria for EWCO

To qualify for EWCO funding, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Location: The land must be in England.
• Land Type: Eligible land includes arable fields, grassland, and other areas suitable for woodland establishment. Existing woodlands and areas with more than 20% canopy cover are not eligible.
• Ownership: Applicants must have control over the land for the duration of the grant agreement, typically 10-30 years depending on the funding tier.
• Project Size: Projects must cover a minimum area of 1 hectare and include blocks of at least 0.1 hectares.
• Environmental Compliance: The proposed woodland must not negatively impact protected habitats, archaeological sites, or designated landscapes.

Available Funding Tiers Under EWCO

EWCO offers a variety of funding tiers, each tailored to support different aspects of woodland creation. These tiers include standard planting payments, contributions for public benefits, and additional funding for specific environmental outcomes.

Standard Woodland Creation Payments

This tier provides basic financial support for the establishment and maintenance of new woodlands.

• Payment Rate:
  • £8,500 per hectare for standard woodland creation.
  • Covers the costs of site preparation, planting, and tree protection.
• Maintenance Payments:
  • £300 per hectare per year for up to 10 years to support the establishment of young trees.
• What’s Covered:
  • Ground preparation (e.g., soil improvement, drainage).
  • Purchase and planting of trees and shrubs.
  • Protective measures like tree guards and fencing.

Additional Contributions for Public Benefits

EWCO offers extra payments for projects that deliver additional public benefits, such as biodiversity enhancement, water management, or increased public access.

• Biodiversity Contribution:
  • Up to £2,800 per hectare for creating or enhancing habitats for priority species and integrating native tree species that support wildlife.
• Water Quality Contribution:
  • £1,600 per hectare for planting woodlands that improve water quality by reducing agricultural runoff, preventing soil erosion, or managing flood risks.
• Climate Resilience Contribution:
  • £500 per hectare for woodlands designed to improve climate resilience, such as by creating shelterbelts or planting species that sequester carbon effectively.
• Public Access Contribution:
  • Up to £2,200 per hectare for providing public access to new woodlands, including installing paths, signage, and entry points.

Woodland Creation Partnerships and Additional Support

For larger projects or those involving partnerships, such as collaborations with conservation organisations or local communities, EWCO offers bespoke support to align projects with national environmental priorities. This can include advice on project design, integration with other environmental schemes, and support for complex, multi-functional woodlands.

How to Apply for EWCO Support

Applying for EWCO involves several stages, from initial planning and consultation to submitting a full application. The process ensures that proposed projects align with both national and local environmental priorities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for EWCO

1. Pre-Application Consultation
   • Contact the Forestry Commission or your local Woodland Creation Officer to discuss your project and confirm eligibility.
   • Seek advice on how to design your woodland to meet the requirements of EWCO and other funding schemes.
2. Prepare a Woodland Creation Plan
   • Create a detailed Woodland Creation Plan (WCP) that outlines your project objectives, site characteristics, proposed species, and management plan.
   • Include maps, species lists, and descriptions of how the woodland will contribute to biodiversity, water management, or climate resilience.
3. Submit an Initial Application
   • Submit an initial application through the Forestry Commission’s online portal.
   • Attach your Woodland Creation Plan and any required supporting documents, such as environmental impact assessments or soil surveys.
4. Field Assessment and Review
   • The Forestry Commission will conduct a field assessment to review the site and proposed plan.
   • During this stage, you may be asked to provide additional information or make adjustments to the plan based on environmental and landscape considerations.
5. Approval and Grant Agreement
   • Once the application is approved, you will receive a grant agreement detailing the funding provided, the expected outcomes, and the monitoring requirements.
   • Review the grant agreement carefully to ensure that all terms are understood before signing.
6. Implementation and Reporting
   • Begin implementing your Woodland Creation Plan, following the specifications outlined in your grant agreement.
   • Maintain records of all activities, including planting dates, species planted, and maintenance work carried out.
7. Claiming Payments
   • Submit payment claims as specified in your grant agreement. Claims must include evidence of work completed, such as invoices, photos, or site reports.
   • Annual maintenance payments will require ongoing reporting and monitoring to demonstrate successful tree establishment.

Payment Rates and Financial Support Under EWCO

EWCO offers one of the highest levels of financial support for woodland creation projects in England. By understanding the different payment tiers and eligibility requirements, landowners can maximise funding for their projects and achieve a range of environmental benefits.

• Standard Woodland Creation: £8,500 per hectare for planting and establishment.
• Maintenance Payments: £300 per hectare per year for 10 years.
• Additional Contributions:
  • Biodiversity: Up to £2,800 per hectare.
  • Water Quality: £1,600 per hectare.
  • Climate Resilience: £500 per hectare.
  • Public Access: Up to £2,200 per hectare.

Aligning EWCO with National Environmental Priorities

The EWCO is designed to support England’s commitment to increasing tree cover and promoting environmental enhancement. By targeting projects that deliver multiple public benefits, the scheme aligns with broader national priorities, such as:

• Achieving Net Zero: Supporting carbon sequestration through large-scale woodland creation.
• Enhancing Biodiversity: Creating habitats for priority species and integrating trees into landscape-scale ecological networks.
• Improving Water Quality and Flood Management: Establishing woodlands that intercept runoff, stabilise soil, and reduce flood risk.

Final Considerations for EWCO Applicants

The England Woodland Creation Offer is a powerful tool for landowners looking to establish new woodlands and contribute to environmental sustainability. By carefully planning your project, understanding the funding tiers, and aligning your objectives with the scheme’s priorities, you can secure substantial financial support to bring your woodland vision to life.

If you are considering applying for EWCO, start by consulting with a local Woodland Creation Officer and developing a detailed Woodland Creation Plan that highlights the environmental and social benefits of your project. Taking the time to design a comprehensive plan will increase your chances of a successful application and help you maximise the available funding.

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