The EWCO Fast Track Explained

For landowners and farmers, finding ways to make underused or less productive land profitable is becoming increasingly important. That’s where the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) steps in, offering a straightforward way to diversify land use. Now, with the Fast Track option, it’s quicker and easier to access funding for woodland creation, helping you turn marginal land into a valuable asset.

Whether you’re struggling with low-yield areas or simply looking for ways to diversify your income streams, the EWCO Fast Track helps you make the most of land that might otherwise sit idle.

What is the EWCO Fast Track?

The EWCO Fast Track is a streamlined application route designed to get woodland creation projects approved faster. It focuses on low sensitivity land—areas that aren’t ideal for agriculture but are perfect for tree planting. With this option, eligible applications can be processed in just 12 weeks (60 working days), so you can move quickly from planning to planting.

This makes the EWCO Fast Track particularly attractive for landowners who want to act fast, especially if specific planting seasons or ecological requirements are in play.

Why Consider the EWCO Fast Track?

The Fast Track offers more than just quicker approvals—it’s a practical way to bring unproductive land into use while diversifying your income streams. Here’s how it helps landowners:

• Income Security: Maintenance payments over 15 years provide a steady return, and timber or carbon credits offer long-term potential earnings.
• Land Utilisation: Put less productive land to work without compromising high-value farmland.
• Lower Risk: Focus on land that’s not contributing much to your current operations, ensuring minimal disruption to your main activities.
• Diversification: Woodland creation opens up new income opportunities, from grants and recreational spaces to timber sales and carbon credits.

With funding available to cover planting and maintenance costs, the EWCO Fast Track gives you the resources to make your woodland creation project a success.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the EWCO Fast Track is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Register with Rural Payments:Start by registering your land and obtaining a Single Business Identifier (SBI) through the Rural Payments Agency.
2. Create a Woodland Creation Plan (WCP):This document is the backbone of your application. It should include:
   • Objectives for your woodland (e.g., timber production, carbon capture, recreational use).
   • Planting design, including tree species, density, and layout.
   • How your project complies with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS).
   • Features like public access trails or biodiversity benefits, if applicable.
3. Complete the Application Form:Provide all the required documentation, including biosecurity evidence, detailed maps, and relevant consents.
4. Submit Your Application:Send your completed application to the Forestry Commission. If it meets the criteria, it will be processed within 12 weeks.

Financial Support and Incentives

The EWCO offers a generous package of financial support for woodland creation. Here’s what you could receive:

• Capital Costs: Up to £10,200 per hectare for establishing your woodland.
• Annual Maintenance Payments: £400 per hectare per year for 15 years, covering essential upkeep.
• Infrastructure Funding: Additional funding for paths, access routes, and other woodland features.
• Additional Contributions: Up to £11,600 per hectare, or £12,700 for low sensitivity land.

Bonus Payments Breakdown:

• Recreational Access: £3,700 per hectare.
• Riparian (Waterways): £2,500 per hectare.
• Flood Risk Management: £1,000 per hectare.
• Nature Recovery: £3,300 per hectare for planting near ancient woodlands.

With these incentives, you can transform unused land into a productive resource without significant upfront costs.

Maximise Your Project’s Potential with GrantBudgeter

Wondering how much your project might cost or what kind of returns you can expect? That’s where GrantBudgeter, our AskGrant tool, comes in. GrantBudgeter helps you calculate:

• Project Costs: Understand the financial outlay required for your woodland.
• Income Potential: Estimate returns from timber or carbon credits.
• Available Grants: Find out what funding you’re eligible for under EWCO.

By using GrantBudgeter, you can make informed decisions and ensure your project is financially viable from day one.

Why Woodland Creation Makes Sense for Landowners

For many landowners, low sensitivity land represents a missed opportunity. While it might not be suitable for crops or livestock, woodland creation can turn these areas into a source of income. With EWCO funding, you can:

• Generate Reliable Returns: Annual payments ensure financial stability while the woodland matures.
• Create a Long-Term Asset: From timber sales to recreational opportunities, your woodland can provide value for decades.
• Diversify Your Business: Adding woodland to your portfolio spreads financial risk and opens new income streams.

Tips for a Successful Application

To boost your chances of success, follow these practical tips:

1. Be Thorough in Your Planning:Your Woodland Creation Plan is key. Include clear objectives, planting designs, and compliance details.
2. Focus on Land Benefits:Highlight how the project will make better use of low-yield land and integrate with your existing operations.
3. Get Expert Advice:Consult forestry professionals or woodland officers to refine your plan and ensure it meets the criteria.
4. Emphasise Public and Environmental Benefits:If your woodland offers public access or contributes to biodiversity, include these details in your application.
5. Use GrantBudgeter:Take advantage of this tool to crunch the numbers and strengthen your funding application.

A Practical Solution for Land Diversification

The EWCO Fast Track isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about helping landowners like you make the most of underutilised land. By turning marginal areas into productive woodlands, you can secure a steady income, reduce risks, and add long-term value to your property.

With quicker approvals and generous funding, the EWCO Fast Track is a straightforward way to diversify your business and create a sustainable future for your land. Why let land go unused when it can become an asset? Start your application today, and let the EWCO Fast Track work for you.