Better Woodlands for Wales (BWW)

The Woodland Strategy Vision for Wales over the next 50 years is:

"Wales will be known for high-quality woodlands that enhance the landscape, are appropriate to local conditions and have a diverse mixture of species and habitats that will provide real social and community benefits, support thriving woodland-based industries and contribute to a better quality environment throughout Wales"

Better Woodlands for Wales (pdf) is the new Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) grant scheme designed to meet that vision. The scheme has been developed in consultation with woodland owners and their agents as well as our partner organisations. As a result, the new scheme places greater emphasis on good quality woodland management and offers grants specially designed for Welsh woodlands. Grant aid is now based upon an approved long term management plan. This plan must meet the minimum standards under the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme.

Specially trained and FCW approved Management Planners will help you decide exactly what work needs to be carried out in your woodland, and work out what steps you need to take. If you wish to proceed, the management planner will prepare your management plan and submit your application online.

We also have a list of approved Specialist Assessors who can help with preparing the plan in particular areas such as Continuous Cover Forestry, Woodland Ecology, Deer Management, Social Forestry and Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).

European and Welsh Assembly Funding
Some of the grants delivered under the Better Woodlands for Wales scheme are part funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.
For further information on the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development please see the EU Commission's rural development page.