Are you a landowner looking to make the most of your property?
The government has just made it easier than ever to transform underused land into valuable assets through tree planting – and they are backing it with funding!
In simple terms, if you have got land that’s not working as hard as it could be, there is now a fantastic opportunity to improve this. The government is offering tree planting grants that average £19,000 per hectare, which means you won’t have to shoulder all the costs.
Here is what’s really exciting: these grants are incredibly flexible.
Maybe you have a field that is constantly waterlogged, or perhaps some steep areas that are a nightmare to manage. Or you might be looking for better ways to shelter your livestock. Whatever your situation, there is likely a solution that could work for you.
And the best part is that support is available every step of the way, from planning through to long-term maintenance. Plus, the funding isn’t just a one-off – it includes money to help maintain your trees for years to come.
Think of it as an investment in your land’s future, backed by government support. Whether you have a small plot or manage extensive acreage, there is a scheme that could work for you.
Let’s explore how these grants could work for you.
Why Consider Planting Trees on Your Land?
Every farm has those tricky spots that just don’t earn their keep. Maybe it is a waterlogged field that’s more pond than pasture, or a steep bank that is a nightmare to keep on top of.
Instead of fighting with difficult terrain, you could turn these problem areas into productive woodland. Trees naturally help manage water, keep your soil in place, and even improve the condition of nearby fields.
And if you are rearing livestock, trees are absolute game-changers.
They provide vital shelter from harsh weather, making your animals more comfortable in both winter and summer. This isn’t just good for animal welfare – it is great for your profits too. Better sheltered livestock means lower feed bills, fewer vet visits, and healthier animals.
Here’s what makes it even better – you don’t have to wait decades to see the benefits.
From day one, you are improving your land’s value. Plus, with government funding covering the costs, you do not have to dig deep into your own pockets to make it happen.
Other farmers are already seeing the results.
The government website highlights the success of farmer George Thompson. He is using new oak trees to transform a wet, unproductive field into useful grazing land. His trees are providing shelter for his sheep and cattle, and he didn’t have to sacrifice any productive land to make it happen.
Available Tree Grant Options
There are two main funding options available through the government’s tree-planting initiative: the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Regional Woodland Creation Grants.
The England Woodland Creation Offer provides up to £10,200 per hectare for basic planting costs. You can also receive additional payments of up to £11,600 for projects that benefit the wider community and environment. Plus, an extra £1,100 per hectare is available if you are planting on land that meets specific criteria.
One of the most attractive features of EWCO is the long-term support. You will receive £400 per hectare every year for 15 years to help with maintenance costs. This ensures your woodland investment has the best chance of success.
Regional Woodland Creation Grants offer an alternative approach, particularly if your land is in specific catchment areas. These grants are delivered through local partners like England’s Community Forests and The Northern Forest. Many offer full funding for both planting and establishment costs, with some providing upfront payments to help with initial expenses.
With both grant options, there are local advisors who will help you through every stage – from choosing the right trees for your land to completing your application. They will even visit your site to discuss your specific needs and help design a woodland that works for your business.
The application process is straightforward.
For EWCO, you simply need to contact the Forestry Commission through the online form. For Regional grants, you can get in touch directly with your local Woodland Creation Partner. They will guide you through the options available in your area.
Getting Expert Help
Support is available at every stage of your tree planting journey, and it is completely free.
For EWCO grants, the Forestry Commission provides dedicated woodland creation officers. These specialists understand both the technical aspects of tree planting and the practical realities of land management. They can advise on everything from tree species selection to long-term woodland management.
If you are in a Regional Woodland Creation Grant area, your local partners offer similar expert guidance. The teams at England’s Community Forests, The National Forest, and other regional organisations have years of experience helping landowners make the most of tree-planting opportunities.
Tree Grant Process Made Simple
Getting started with a grant is more straightforward than you might think. The process has been designed to provide support at every stage.
Contact the Forestry Commission or a local Woodland Creation Partner, and they will arrange for an advisor to visit your site. The advisor will discuss your goals and recommend the best locations for planting. This ensures your project meets your needs.
Your advisor will then help develop a woodland creation plan. This includes choosing the right tree species, planning the layout, and working out the costs. You don’t need to be an expert, as they will guide you through each decision.
With your plan in place, your advisor will help complete the grant application. They will ensure all the necessary information is included and help you understand any commitments. Most applications are processed within 12 weeks.
After approval, you can begin preparing your land for planting. Your advisor remains available to help with any questions, from choosing suppliers to organising the planting work. They will also explain how to claim your payments and access ongoing support.
Remember, the support continues long after the trees are in the ground. Both EWCO and Regional grants include funding for maintenance, helping ensure your woodland thrives for years to come.
Next Steps for Landowners
Taking the first step towards tree planting doesn’t need to be complicated.
First, think about your land and what you want to achieve. Consider which areas might benefit from trees – perhaps that wet corner field or that steep bank that’s difficult to manage. Having a rough idea will help when speaking with advisors.
The next step is to check which grant scheme covers your area. For EWCO grants, simply complete the Forestry Commission’s online enquiry form. It takes just five minutes, and your local woodland creation team will contact you to arrange a site visit and discuss your options.
For Regional grants, visit your local Woodland Creation Partner’s website. They will connect you with an advisor who can explain the funding available in your area and help plan your project.
Remember, there is no commitment at this stage. The initial discussions and site visits are free and will help you determine whether tree planting is right for your land.
Contact your local advisor today to start transforming your land with trees – take action now and see real change.
Additional Funding Options
While grants cover many costs, you might need additional funding for associated equipment and infrastructure. A specialist agricultural finance broker can help secure funding for items that fall outside the scope of government grants.
Finance brokers such as Evangate FS understand the unique needs of agricultural businesses. We can help arrange low-rate funding for items such as:
- Fencing and gates to protect your new woodland
- Specialised machinery for woodland maintenance
- Access tracks and infrastructure improvements
- Storage buildings for equipment
- Tools and protective equipment
As independent brokers, we work with multiple lenders specialising in agricultural finance. This allows us to often secure better terms than going to lenders directly. More importantly, we understand the seasonal nature of farm income and can tailor a deal to suit you.
Finance options include:
- Asset finance for machinery and equipment
- Agricultural mortgages for land improvements
- Flexible working capital facilities
- Hire purchase agreements
- Operating leases
By combining government grants with these additional finance options, you can create the perfect funding package to make your tree planting project successful, while managing cash flow.
Contact our UK-based team today to get started.
